
Copyrights 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



MOTHERHOOD 



KNOW' THYSELF SERIES 



Copyright, 1906, 
by Susanna Cocroft 



MOTHERHOOD 



Susanna Cocroft 

ORIGINATOR OF THE 

Physical Culture Extension Society 

AUTHOR OF 

Know Thyself Series 

of Twelve Books 



Second Edition 

TWENTIETH THOUSAND 



Published by the 

Physical Culture Extension Society 

624 Michigan Avenue 

Chicago, III. 



.0 






V 



GCI.A312135 



s^i 



MOTHERHOOD 



BY 

Susanna Cocroft 



To woman is given the most beautiful 
and most sacred privilege of life, — the 
power with God to create, to bring forth 
and to unfold life, — the privilege of 
motherhood — not only physical, but 
spiritual. Through her a life is brought 
into the world, with a soul to unfold. It 
is her privilege and pleasure to guard and 
to nurture the little life during its deli- 
cate young years, to watch it expand into 
a perfect, radiant blossom, finding her 
companionship in its responding love and 
her compensation in the ultimate ripening 
into the strong, useful and seed-bearing 
fruit. The little life is brought into this 

11 



activity to gladden hearts, to help in the 
world's work, to develop its own soul and 
to aid in the spiritual development of the 
world. 

The mother is the most responsible for 
the little life launched "from the nowhere 
into now," from the infinite realm of 
somewhere into the definite world of ac- 
tion. During all of its nesting, formative 
period, it is influenced by her health, by 
her environment, by her mental poise and 
spiritual atmosphere. 

Surely hers is a Divine agency, uplift- 
ing, refining, ennobling : — the connecting 
link between the visible and the invisible, 
between the finite and the Infinite, between 
man and God. 

Surely no woman can undergo the re- 
sponsibility of motherhood without de- 
veloping an ennobling beauty and strength 
within, without being uplifted by the con- 
sciousness of her kinship with the angels 
and with her Creator. Every expectant 
mother should sweetly and sacredly pre- 
pare body, mind and spirit for the trust 
of a human soul. 

12 



She should realize that she is fulfilling 
her duty in the broad and general sense 
of the perpetuation of the race, and to 
this end, as well as to the more personal 
end of the child, her family and herself 
she should see to it that every physical 
law of conception and of growth is ob- 
served. She should study intelligently 
the laws of eugenics, that she may bear 
a physically sound child. Her duty to 
posterity, her duty as a citizen, her duty 
to family and friends demands this — and 
more particularly does her duty to the 
life she conceives demand it. 

Yet children are not sent into the world 
merely for the perpetuation of the race:— 
they come to kindle and to strengthen all 
the best and highest in the mother and 
father natures, to broaden their lives, to 
elevate their thoughts and to quicken their 
sympathies and affections. A child's 
craving, therefore, for the fullest measure 
of its parent's affection is a natural in- 
stinct, implanted within it for a wise pur- 
pose. A mother's loving and intelligent 
response to this call of nature means her 

13 



highest evolution, and insures a beautiful, 
wholesome atmosphere of growth for the 
child. 

During the first impressionable years of 
a child's life, when mind, body and spirit 
are plastic as the artist's clay, the char- 
acter of his thoughts, the shape of his 
brain and the trend of his life is mould- 
able by the mother love, the home atmos- 
phere and thought influence. A man sel- 
dom gets far away from the teaching re- 
ceived at his mother's knee. Her most 
lasting impressions are not alone imparted 
to him through her voice, but the deep, 
silent impress of lofty thought comes 
through the vibrations in the quiet hour 
when no voice is heard; this voice of the 
silence is the voice of depth and power. 

The primary responsibility of the ref- 
ormation and redemption of the world, of 
society, politics and commerce, rests with 
the individual members, — with the sons 
and daughters, — and it devolves upon the 
mothers, whom Nature has vested with the 
inspiration, — to rear sons and daughters 
of staunch principles, uprightness of char- 

14 



acter and purity of thought. We need 
fanatics to lead the way in social and civic 
progress but real advancement comes 
through a change in the hearts and minds 
of individual citizens, — through the estab- 
lishment of just principles, of high ideals, 
and the recognition of moral obligations. 

We need rational, intelligent, mentally, 
morally and physically sound mothers, 
mothers with sufficient courage and stam- 
ina to sustain their convictions. The im- 
press of one strong, well balanced char- 
acter can color the tone of a community; 
one strong community can carry a city, 
and a city a state. The far-reaching in- 
fluence of the life of one single man or 
woman will never be known; but it is the 
privilege of each to make the influence of 
his life vibrate through the ages. 

The evolution and perpetuation of an 
ideal people, of an ideal civilization, rest 
largely with the mother in fixing elevated 
ideals for her children. Nature has en- 
trusted her with this responsibility, which 
is far higher than any within the gift of 
man. Through the beautiful privilege of 

15 



motherhood she may attain the pinnacle of 
fame, through her children, — may realize 
the greatest measure of happiness, contrib- 
ute the largest share of usefulness to the 
world. Through neglect or abuse of this 
privilege she may do infinite harm. 

In the fulfillment of life's evolutionary 
laws a natural desire is implanted in the 
breast of every mother, worthy the name, 
that her children have better opportunities 
than she has enjoyed; that they may reach 
the highest possible standard of mental, 
moral and physical development ; that they 
may attain to the fullest measure of life's 
success and happiness. 

As long as there are mothers, ignorant 
and narrow, or others who are contented 
merely to be pretty and wear fashionable 
gowns, — who cannot, or do not, rise above 
the trivialities of gossip and senseless van- 
ities of fashion, — children with similar ten- 
dencies will be conceived. And just so long 
as the world holds mothers who are 
avaricious, greedy for power, or who 
regard wealth, beyond their personal needs, 
as their god, will these tendencies be trans- 

16 



mitted to their children. Yes, and just so 
long as mothers harbor jealous, envious, 
bitter, unclean and unworthy thoughts, 
will these likewise be transmitted to 
posterity, through the great law of spirit 
impress. 

The Psychology of Motherhood.— The 

psychological condition of a mother dur- 
ing pregnancy determines largely the 
spiritual, or soul nature of her child. 

The impressions made upon it during its 
embryonic and fetal life are not always 
manifested in childhood, but as its soul 
unfolds one may trace the results of 
its mother's psychological condition prior 
to its birth. A child is often so definitely 
marked as to assume the physical outline 
of either man or animal upon which the 
mind of the expectant mother dwells, or to 
take on the mental and spiritual tone of the 
person impressing her mind during this 
period. 

If her mind dwell upon chaste and eleva- 
ing subjects, or if she delve into the purest 
and highest of art, literature, philosophy 

17 



and science, if her actions be permeated 
with a sweet and wholesome spirit of kind- 
liness, helpfulness and consideration for 
those abont her, this high degree of spirit- 
uality naturally causes psychological con- 
ditions that leave a like impress upon the 
soul of her unborn child, impossible of 
effacement. Thus great souls are born. 

A child whose spiritual welfare is so 
fostered before its advent into the world, 
naturally reveres all things high and lofty ; 
— the beauties of Nature, the great achieve- 
ments of mankind, all that constitute true 
greatness, in character and mind, every 
noble act or impulse are reverenced by him. 
His ideals being high, he naturally tends 
to attain to a high degree of spiritual 
development. 

A pregnant mother should eliminate 
every thought and thing that tends to 
divert the highest psychological atmos- 
phere, should surround herself with every- 
thing which would help her to uplifting, 
elevating, ennobling and refining influences. 
She should create the beautiful atmosphere 
of pure, unselfish and elevating thoughts, 

18 



finding beauty and use and pleasure in the 
simple, everyday things of life. If she 
keep close to Nature, — to God, the Master 
Artist, — she cannot harbor artificial ( or 
common thoughts. If she mentally and 
spiritually dwell upon the heights, her 
child will be born there, and the purity 
and strength of this atmosphere will be an 
essential part of his after life, — will color 
his future. 

She needs not sumptuous surroundings ; 
— this would be but a gratification of 
purely sensuous tastes, and would thwart 
her purpose, causing psychological con- 
ditions that would give birth to a nature 
inclined to revel in pomp and empty show. 

She needs not expensive paintings, nor 
rare and costly statuary and tapestries 
strewn in lavish profusion about her, in 
order that her child may appreciate and 
understand the beauties of nature and of 
art. A few simple prints of the great mas- 
terpieces may serve the same purpose of 
fixing the true ideals in her mind, and thus 
create the atmosphere most beneficial to 
the artistic tastes of her child. 

19 



An environment of wealth and power is 
not in any sense essential to the birth of a 
great and courageous soul. There is 
beauty in a grain of dust, there is use and 
dignity in the making of a loaf of bread, 
in the peeling of a potato. A woman may 
be as much a queen in the preparation of 
a meal for her family as in the idle read- 
ing of a novel in her library. The mental 
and spiritual attitude with which she ap- 
proaches her work makes her queen or 
serf. 

If the mother look for the beauty in 
nature, she ofttimes gets more out of 
simple pleasures than the rich and great 
who have become insatiated by a too 
profligate use of wealth's privileges; such 
ennuied mortals pass with unseeing eyes 
the rarest gems in Nature's gallery, and in 
their restless search for some new interest 
rush to view the works of her imitators in 
art galleries made by man. Scenes and 
pictures in nature are beyond the brush of 
artist. No man yet has painted a sky. No 
man yet has given us water which swells as 
the ocean. Man imitates, but the spirit and 

20 



movement are God's. One never fully ap- 
preciates man's imitation until he has felt 
and appreciated God's original. 

Howsoever humble her position, or how- 
soever narrow her environment, a mother 
has access always to the Master Artist's 
great gallery. She may enjoy from her 
doorstep, — according to her psychological 
development, — the glorious sunsets, the 
billows upon billows of clouds with their 
rare coloring, the music of the wind among 
the trees, the perfume of the flowers, the 
restfulness of the droning bees, — all of 
which permeate her senses and are hers. 
She is, indeed, rich, — at peace with the 
world; she envies no one, thinks kindly of 
all God's creatures, and is ever ready to 
extend the helping hand when needed. 

A taste and talent for music may be 
created and stimulated in the child through 
a mother's appreciation of the song of a 
bird. 

She who is keenly alive to nature's 
subtle beauties transmits to her children 
a priceless heritage,— the ability to be 
happy, alone with nature and with God, 

21 



independent of human uncertainties. The 
capacity for happiness and the cultivation 
of the habit of a happy view of life, is one 
of the most blessed heritages a mother can 
leave to her child. 

Such a mother has within herself, perfect 
harmony and balance, she sets in motion a 
line of noble and chaste tendencies to be 
transmitted through her progeny for count- 
less ages. She has approached the foot- 
stool of God, and will transmit to her child 
a resonance of celestial symphonies thus 
heard, a reflection of visions thus seen, that 
will lift him to an exalted plane and 
engender psychological conditions which 
will hold him close to that footstool. 

This was beautifully illustrated in the 
child of a friend, who, notwithstanding 
moderate financial circumstances, had sur- 
rounded herself with an unusually exalted 
thought atmosphere prior to his birth. At 
five years of age, although rated by most 
people as a quiet, imaginative child, he 
seemed, to those who knew him best, hardly 
less than an infant prodigy. He did not 
manifest the usual childish curiosity con- 

22 



cerning the "whys" and "wherefores" of 
being or of things, but in a quaint, childish 
fashion would tell you, — if you happened 
to be in his confidence, — what they were, 
and why they were. He saw the rarest 
beauties in a sea shell, and would explain 
in baby poetry the complex causes and 
processes of its beautiful colorings, the 
impressions left by the life the shell had 
protected. The soughing wind meant to 
him sweet lullabys or solemn commands, — 
the angels were on the wires. The rain 
the dewdrops, the flowers, everything in 
Nature, had for him a rare and beautiful 
significance. When asked where he got his 
beautiful thoughts, he replied : 

"God sends an angel who tells them to 
me." God's angel was his mother. 

"A poet in embryo"? Yes certainly full 
of poetic fancies, yet amazingly practical 
withal, for his mother, aside from her 
spirituality and ideality, was a prac- 
tical, perfectly balanced, physically sound 
woman, who realized that the world needed 
pure and spiritual-minded, practical men 
and women, rather than poets. She had 

23 



kept her feet on terra firma, although her 
thoughts had soared above noise or sordid- 
ness ; her actions had been tinctured always 
with the milk of human kindness. 

The great geniuses of the world, men 
and women who have done and dared, who 
have achieved, who have accomplished 
most, who have conferred greatest benefits 
upon humanity, were born right. Their 
parents made conscientious and joyous 
preparations for their coming; they were 
loved, cherished and tenderly fostered by 
their mothers before their conception. It 
is needless to add that harmonious conjugal 
relations are most essential to such a birth. 

This is the bright side of the psychology 
of motherhood. The dark side is too har- 
rowing to dwell upon. It is plainly evident 
that if such high soul conditions can be 
transmitted to a child, sordid, base and 
criminal thoughts by the mother will create 
similarly dark and unwholesome psycholo- 
gical conditions, that will in turn color the 
soul nature of the child, resulting in cor- 
responding tendencies, and with unwhole- 
some environment, in criminality. 

24 



The case of a notorious boy murderer 
furnishes an interesting illustration of the 
power of pre-natal influence. The father 
was a butcher; for several months before 
the child's birth the mother frequently 
visited the shambles. This atmosphere did 
not produce homicidal tendencies in the 
parents, yet they both became so inured 
to the taking of lower lives and the shed- 
ding of blood, that this blunting of their 
finer sensibilities resulted in shocking hom- 
icidal tendencies in their child. 

These two pictures, the highest and the 
lowest, will suffice. Mediocrity, and all the 
varying degrees of both high and low 
intervene. 

Only higher intelligence, broader knowl- 
edge, a keener sense of moral obligation 
and sound health, can avert the over- 
shadowing force of pre-natal influence. 

Spiritual Motherhood.— The mere giving 
of physical birth to a child is not mother- 
hood in its holiest and best sense. The 
true woman is a mother before the birth 
of the little one. The Eastertide begins 

25 



at conception, begins when the mother 
soul is illumined with the knowledge that 
to her is given the trust of a soul, the 
beginning of a new life. She nurtures, 
loves and cherishes the child in thought 
before its advent. She is uplifted by 
the knowledge that the beauty of its 
unfolding is hers, and with it all comes the 
uplifting inspiration to create a perfect 
life, — comes the realization of her kinship 
with her Maker. Such is true mother- 
hood — physical motherhood is merely an 
accessory. 

Mothers there are in whom the mother 
love, the mother enfoldment has developed 
by the thought and care of the little ones, 
although they have never given physical 
birth to a child. This spiritual awakening 
is often noted in a childless woman, and 
the world says : 6 ' She ought to be a mother, 
she loves children so." She is a mother in 
truth, in the best sense, as soon as the 
mother soul is awakened. 

On the other hand, there are mothers 
who have never realized the possibilities 
of rising above the mere physiological 

26 



machinery of child bearing; they have 
never given real spiritual birth. To them 
motherhood means merely physical pain 
and the mental and physical struggle to 
care for another child. Such are to be 
pitied, for the joys of true motherhood are 
within their grasp, realized by others, while 
to them a blank page. Some friend or 
sister who has experienced the awakening 
of the mother soul is often the true 
spiritual mother of their children. It is a 
pity, in such cases, that the spiritual 
mother, married or single, does not adopt 
the child. 

The spiritual mother sees to it that her 
child does not suffer soul isolation or 
starvation. She sees that body, mind and 
spirit, the human trinity, receive equal 
care. 

The greatest masterpieces on canvas 
depict the beauty of spiritual motherhood ; 
in their Madonnas they have achieved the 
highest art. 

Beautiful copies of these masterpieces, in 
sepia tints and in black are sold at twenty- 
five to fifty cents per copy, — excellent 

27 



reproductions, suitable for most artistic 
homes. They are educative, inspiring and 
helpful to any expectant mother. 

Selection and Education for Parenthood. 

— Life holds no greater responsibility than 
that of bringing into the world a helpless 
human being. That life should be handi- 
capped before it is given is heinous, 
yet how little time is given to the study of 
eugenics, — the selection and education for 
parenthood.* 

The study of eugenics includes not only 
the selection for parentage based upon 
heredity, but the protection of those select- 
ed, in so far as it has to do with prevention 
of the conception of life, — not in its purest 
types, — e. g. : the protection of the mother 
from alcohol, syphillis or lead. Every- 
thing which affects this possible parent 
is of the greatest concern, and a most 
sacred duty devolves upon parents to edu- 
cate their children in these laws of life. 



*Every young man and young woman will do well 
to read Parenthood and Race Culture by Caleb Wil- 
liams Saleeby, M.D., Ch.B., F.Z.R. Edinburg. 

28 



Too many parents have a deep-seated 
idea that they have conferred a grave 
obligation upon a child by giving it birth, 
believing that it should be humbly grateful 
to them for such life, no matter how hard 
and joyless it may be. Such an attitude is 
a wrong to the child; the obligation rests, 
not upon the child, but upon its parents. 
A child so born is usually the result of sel- 
fish gratification, an unwelcome incident 
and an innocent victim. 

Just how far a child's moral obligation 
to its parents extends, when they recognize 
no moral obligation in bringing it into the 
world, is a question. 

The primary right of every child is to be 
born not only well, but "on purpose." If 
it has not been longed for, loved, and its 
coming anticipated in the most intelligent 
and thoughtful manner, it has sustained 
an injury before its birth; while maternal 
love, awakened at conception, will insure 
it, to a very large extent, advantageous 
prenatal influences and be an operating 
factor upon its entire life. 

29 



' i Ignorant, undeveloped motherhood, 
physical and spiritual, has been a terrible 
curse to mankind. An incompetent artist 
is merely a pathetic failure; a superficial 
woman lawyer simply goes clientless; a 
trivial woman doctor may get a chance to 
cure a few patients, but her career of harm 
will be brief; a shallow or lazy woman 
journalist will be crowded out and back by 
industrious competitors; but a superficial, 
shallow, incompetent or trivial mother will 
poison the stream of life as it flows on and 
on in an endless widening of incompetence, 
of pain or disease, of insanity or of crime. ' ' 

The realization of our fondest hopes 
comes to us through deliberate and intell- 
igent planning. We carefully guard our 
pet animals and avoid such cross-breeding 
as would result in a deterioration of their 
species ; we watch and tend with much care 
the flowers of our garden, giving them 
intelligent stimulation and nourishment to 
encourage perfect fruition; yet in the re- 
production of our own species, the highest, 
the most complicated and most sacred 

30 



process in Nature's scheme, we depend 
upon chance to work miracles. 

Every woman should see to it that her 
physical body is sound and normal in its 
every function, not only for her own sake, 
but for the sake of the little one yet un- 
born. 

Her obligations are far greater than 
those of the father's, for she cradles her 
child within her own body for nine months, 
nourishing it with her own life blood, vi- 
brating it with her nerve strength, con- 
trolling nerve and blood supply by her own 
moods ; unless she be physically strong, the 
child must suffer. Perfect health tends to 
insure not only a normal, well-poised brain, 
but a more rational understanding of her 
relation to her Creator, to her family and 
to her fellow man. It also insures the reg- 
ular flow of nourishment to the growing 
fetus. 

A diseased or unsotmd body (and this 
is especially true where the organs of gen- 
eration are involved) reacts upon the mind 
and many unnatural symptoms during 
pregnacy result. Many a helpless little 

31 



lifQ is blasted by the repugnance, hate, 
licentiousness and murderous thoughts of 
its mother before its birth and by daily 
occupations that dwarf her finer sensibili- 
ties. 

To bring an innocent soul from the in- 
finite realm and thrust it into a hostile 
environment — to struggle, rise or fall,* 
without the equipment of the normal herit- 
age of a perfect body and brain is a 
tremendous responsibility. The ignorance 
and thoughtlessness manifested by thou- 
sands of women upon this subject is truly 
lamentable. Noble impulses, kind hearts, 
high mentality and morality come to chil- 
dren through the very blood pulsations 
transmitted by their parents, who take 
upon themselves the sacred responsibility 
of bringing forth a new life. 

Each succeeding generation progresses 
by avoiding the mistakes and profits by 
the experiences of the past. 

The purpose of the generative system 
is infinitely the highest in Nature's plan, 
the projection of our lives into the future. 
Through this great system comes to us the 



most exquisite, the highest and most en- 
nobling joys among life's possibilities; 
through it we are lifted above sordid 
selfishness, our lives are merged into fresh 
young lives which may be the better and 
higher for our experiences — these fresh, 
new lives taking up and continuing our 
development from the point at which we 
leave it. 

Imitation.— By example, poise, presence 
and movement the mother impresses upon 
the young mind and soul the mental and 
moral results of her thoughts.* 

A child's tendencies and habits are 
formed before he leaves the close compan- 
ionship of his mother to mingle with 
friends. If she is in good health, is well 
poised, mentally, morally and physically, 
she can at least meet the responsibilities 
of to-day, to-morrow, the future, with cour- 
age and determination to discharge her full 
duty. The result of this effort on her part 
will be transmitted, or impressed, upon 



* Publishers' Note: See "Reading of Character 
through Bodily Expression" by Susanna Cocroft. 

33 



her children, and will blossom forth in ster- 
ling traits of character. 

Example is more than precept — the child 
grows by imitation. Be yourself the exam- 
ple of what you would have him become; 
let your physical attitude inspire him to 
soundness, to uprightness of body and 
mind. 

Much of what is ordinarily termed hered- 
ity is the unconscious imitation of parents 
during the formative period. Do not for- 
get that hereditary tendencies can largely 
be corrected. 

Form for yourself, first, the habit of cor- 
rect bodily poise. The mother who moves 
about her home with drooping head and 
chest, rounding shoulders and slouching 
hips, will never be able to measure the 
effect upon those about her, will never 
measure the depressing effect upon her off- 
spring. 

The upright head and body inspire to 
uprightness of thought ; the high, full chest 
expresses courage; the very lifting of the 
chest and inflation of a full draught of pure 
air give the child strength and poise. It 

34 



helps to rid the system of impurities and 
brings all vital organs to proper position. 

The reflex action of bodily poise upon 
mental balance is too broad a study to be 
discussed here;* but, mothers, remember 
that your children grow by imitation. Let 
your own body express the freedom and 
uprightness of mind you would instill into 
your child. 

Do not lose sight of the fact that happi- 
ness and health are habits, that a child's 
nerves are very responsive, and habits are 
very quickly formed in the early years. 

A happy face, a buoyant poise and a 
cheerful tone have much to do in forming 
habits of looking upon the bright side of 
life. If you form the habit of cheer and 
brightness in your child, by your own exam- 
ple, you have tided him over many an 
otherwise disagreeable experience in years 
to come. A habit of looking upon the du- 
ties of life, not as worries, but as a series 
of events to be met with a well-poised brain 
and a happy mental attitude, is indeed a 
heritage. It is worth more to him than 
gold. 

35 



Since it is so much easier for the morals 
to become distorted, if the body and mind 
are weakened by disease, or unnatural liv- 
ing, every expectant mother should put 
forth earnest, intelligent, conscientious 
effort to become physically, mentally and 
morally competent, before assuming the 
grave responsibility of motherhood. 

Upon being asked what sort of a young 
woman a man should select for a wife, one 
of America's thinking men replied: "Any 
daughter of a good mother will do." This 
man could have paid no better tribute to 
wife and mother. 

In the short span of life allotted to each 
mother she can at least begin a tendency 
towards right and noble living that will 
conquer, or turn aside, the evil tendencies 
stretching through the ages. We live but 
for a day, but good or bad influences live 
on and on, manifesting themselves from 
generation to generation, and impressing 
us through the "choir invisible." 

Inheritance and Environment.— It is true 
that after birth environment plays a most 

36 



important part in the lives of children, 
still if they are born with strong natures 
they are better equipped to rise above an 
environment which tends to degradation. 

" The mothers of great men have them- 
selves been great," is an old aphorism 
based, to a degree, upon facts, but often 
the world does not discover the mother's 
greatness until it is recognized in the son. 

A mother not only transmits tendencies 
to her children, through pre-natal influ- 
ence, but through the environment she cre- 
ates for them, and which she teaches them 
to assist her in creating, she largely deter- 
mines their future. 

Do not allow your child to relax to the 
impression that he is a "creature of envi- 
ronment. ' ' Bather train him in the thought 
that he can mould his environment to con- 
form to his highest, best motives and pur- 
poses. 

Do not make the grievous error of assum- 
ing that you are the product merely of your 
ancestors' ways of living and thinking and 
that your life is thus beyond your control. 
This thought is disastrous to all endeavor. 

37 



After maturity everyone is, in the greatest 
measure, the product of his own way of 
living and thinking. Eecognizing the fact 
that his progenitors have impressed upon 
him, or transmitted to him, certain evil 
tendencies, puts upon him an obligation 
to correct them to such an extent that they 
will not be transmitted to, or impressed 
upon, his offspring. It is here that one 
faces true personal responsibility. 

Many conditions ordinarily termed inher- 
ited are the unconscious imitation of the 
child, or are the result of the nerve im- 
pulse which the child imbibes from the 
mother in its tender years. It is only the 
hereditary tendencies which are inherited, 
not the conditions themselves, and tenden- 
cies can be corrected. Make the most of 
whatever sterling qualities have been trans- 
mitted to you, or impressed upon you, and 
you will reap the reward of your efforts 
in mental and spiritual growth, and in the 
advancement of your children. 

Every child born of fond, true parents, 
with clean, wholesome bodies — who have 
cherished the little one in thought and deed 

38 



through its entire fetal life— is nobly born. 
No child need ask for a better heritage. 
Through individual integrity and effort, 
every man may become a king, every 
woman a queen. 

Children born with, or who have culti- 
vated, strong wills and great force of char- 
acter, imitate least; it is they who rise 
above environment. But the inspiration 
and desire to rise must be quickened. The 
right ideals once fixed, the battle is half 
won. It is the weaker nature that accepts 
the conditions of life as inevitable and 
makes no effort to rise above them. . 

An easy and luxurious environment is 
not conducive to development. It must 
come through personal endeavor, through 
the natural process of evolution, or as an 
inheritance from progenitors who have met 
obstacles and conquered them, who, having 
conquered, do not forget or disregard 
Nature's immutable laws. The children of 
the middle class, born into an environment 
where strong and weak natures alike are 
put to the crucial test, most often rise to 

39 



greatest power. Out of endeavor is born 
strength and courage. 

Personal responsibility is born of knowl- 
edge. The mother who realizes that 
through the power of spirit impress, such 
strength of character and power of adap- 
tation can come to her, that she can 
impress this upon her children or transmit 
it to them, just as she can transmit weaker 
characteristics, takes upon herself a moral 
obligation to obliterate, as far as she may, 
all that tends to debase, and to cultivate 
all that tends to ennoble, as her legacy to 
her child and to the ages. 

Unwholesome ideas should be banished, 
and the habit of looking for good in friend 
and foe, for right motives underlying all 
human effort should be fixed. Eemember 
that good is infinitely higher and stronger 
than evil — that it is supreme and must pre- 
dominate. 

Keep the mind of your child upon the 
positive; teach him to face the right, to 
look for the highest and the best in nature 
and in all life, and you will give him the 

40 



priceless heritage of true nobility and true 
happiness. 

Keep ever in mind the sweet, new dig- 
nity, use and purpose given to your life — 
the mysteriously beautiful new life, placed 
entirely within your power to form into a 
perfect being. Endeavor to impress upon 
it the stamp of chaste, dignified, strong and 
useful force, that it may develop into- a 
power for good, for right, for truth; you 
will thus endow it with a dynamic force 
which shall give it the strength to make 
this power felt. 

Power in Repose.— Too large a per- 
centage of mothers, alas, give full rein 
to their emotional natures, losing sight 
of the fact that real power lies in re- 
pose. They do not reason, they sim- 
ply feel and suffer, hampering their men- 
tal growth through emotionalism. Since 
the emotional qualities are of a more prim- 
itive nature than the mental ones, they are 
oftener transmitted to the child. 

An expectant mother should cultivate 
repose; should remember that real power 

41 



is too deep for surface expression. * ' Only 
the serene soul is strong." 

This strength in repose, in silence, can 
be attained to only through the aid of a 
sound body, because a sound body means a 
clear brain and a clear brain insures a clear 
insight into physical, metaphysical and 
spiritual forces. When this insight is safe- 
guarded by a practical knowledge of her 
own being she is capable of fulfilling her 
highest mission in life — true wifehood and 
true motherhood. 

No better or stronger qualities are trans- 
missible to one's child than self-control 
and the power of resistance, in its broadest 
sense. The mother who cultivates these 
traits instills into her child a natural power, 
not only to resist disease, but mental and 
moral temptations as well, and thus hands 
down to posterity a priceless legacy. 

Spend a little time each day in silence 
that you may keep in close harmony with 
the Master Musician who holds the key- 
note and keeps in vibration every chord of 
your being. He is holding you closely now ; 
you are now a Divine instrument with the 

42 



trust of a soul; you will start a rhythm 
of a new life. It is sacred music. Listen, 
and in the silence of the " inner chamber" 
with the door shut you will hear the Divine 
chord, audible to you alone. 

Education of the Child.— It is a lasting 
reproach to the intelligence of the age in 
which we live that man, woman or child 
should feel ashamed, or refrain from an 
intelligent understanding of himself, and 
of the beautiful law of generation. Such a 
view of life 's duties and obligations is most 
unwholesome and erroneous. Too many 
women pride themselves upon their ignor- 
ance of these laws through a mistaken idea 
that such knowledge would mean less 
modesty and delicate refinement. 

Real safety lies alone in knowledge, not 
only for the mother and for young women 
contemplating marriage, but also for the 
child — regardless of its age. The infor- 
mation should be imparted by parents, 
attended by the refining and ennobling 
thoughts which a parent would instinct- 
ively give. It should be given the grave 

43 



importance which it occupies in the life of 
every human being. 

Mothers, fathers, this is an education you 
owe to your children — do not shun it, do 
not give them the impression that there 
is anything about this sacred duty 
and privilege of parenthood which cannot 
be discussed in the broad light of day with 
father and mother ; do not let them get the 
impression that it is unmentionable, inde- 
cent and dishonorable, something impure 
and temptingly wrong, instead of being 
beautiful, sacred and pure. If the child 
feels such knowledge must be avoided, he 
has a "sneaky" feeling in regard to it, 
which fosters an unwholesome mental atti- 
tude toward it. Let him have from you 
the foundation knowledge that shall color 
all unwholesome thoughts or erroneous 
ideas gathered from ignorant companions, 
who have a perverted idea of the subject 
and whose thoughts are not wholly unsul- 
lied. Many a young boy or girl falls 
through ignorance or through sheer curi- 
osity to know something of the, to them, 

44 



mystical sex instinct, while knowledge 
would have been their safeguard. 

Sex instinct is natural in every normal 
child, and education will come to the child 
from some source. Though parents repress 
it and treat it with silent contempt, the 
education comes from someone, and first 
impressions are hard to efface. Ir the 
knowledge comes first from you, he 
will instinctively turn from grosser 
thoughts. If you do not explain to him, 
his curiosity may become morbid if he be 
allowed to brood over it. Do not allow 
anyone else to supersede you in your child's 
education in this important matter. Teach 
the young inquirer that all thought in 
regard to this instinct should be kept clean 
and upright, for the sacred duty of parent- 
age and the perpetuation of sound man- 
hood and womanhood. Make him to know 
that true parenthood means pure thoughts, 
a clean life and noble responsibilities. 

The true education of our girls must 
teach them to guard and protect their 
bodies, the temple of life to come, and how 
afterward to be the educators of their chil- 



45 



dren into upright, manly and womanly citi- 
zens. False modesty in refraining or 
shrinking from this knowledge of genera- 
tion is ' ' womanish, 9 ' not womanly. 

Every young girl should know that the 
young man to whom she plights her troth 
is clean in mind as well as in body. That 
he is manly. To be manly is to understand 
himself and, understanding, to be the mas- 
ter of his instincts so that, at such suitable 
time as marriage seems wise and best, he 
may transmit life in the spirit of a high 
purpose — that his offspring may have all 
the heritage of sound mind and body nur- 
tured by the wise protection of intelligent 
parenthood. 

The following are a few books which are 
helpful for one preparing for motherhood 
to read: 

"Parenthood and Race Culture" By Caleb William Saleeby 

"In Tune With the Infinite" By Rauph Waldo Trine 

''Growth in Silence" By Susanna Cocroft 

"Power in Repose" By Anna Payson Call 

"The Kingship of Self Control" By William George Jordan 

"Ideals and Privileges of Woman" By Susanna Cocroft 

"The Majesty of Calmness" By William George Jordan 

The Poems of Iyongfellow, Whittier, Wordsworth and Bryant. 

"Modern . Painters" By John Ruskes 

"Sesame and L,ilies" By John Ruskes 

"Birds and Bees" By John Burroughs 

"How to Know the Wild Flowers" By Mrs. Dana 

"Excursions in Forest and Field" By Henry D. Thoreau 

"Bird Iyife" By Chapman 

"Self Sufficiency" By Susanna Cocroft 

46 



ORGANS OF GENERATION. 

The generative organs constitute a won- 
derfully intricate and perfect system, the 
condition of each organ depending upon 
that of the others, all working in harmony 
to fulfill Nature's grand purpose— the per- 
petuation of the race, and the development 
of human souls. 

Nature has provided these organs with 
the greatest possible security, nestling them 
in a network of pliable muscles, within a 
basin formed of supporting bones. (See 
Fig. 1.) Here the strongest muscles and 
most abundant tissues are found, also cush- 
ions and linings of fat for greater security. 
The projection of the abdomen and thighs 
is such as to protect these organs from 
most accidents. Likewise, the fleshy but- 
tocks form thick cushions of strong mus- 
cles, thoroughly protecting the pelvic cav- 
ity in sitting or falling. 

47 



Nature even goes farther by protecting 
the internal organs from f riction, the great 
bones of the pelvis being lined with cush- 
ions of muscular tissue to protect the 
organs from the bones themselves. This 
arrangement also forms a medium through 
which the nerves, arteries and veins 
within the cavity are insured protection. 
Tbe sacrum also partially protects the gen- 
erative organs, their nerves, arteries and 
veins, from the weight of the intestines 
from above, throwing the greater part of 
their weight upon the abdominal walls, 
which walls are so strong, in a healthy 
woman, that they hold the intestines in 
place. The habit of sitting on the end of 
the spine, or of standing with the chest 
depressed and the thigh joints forward, 
however, will crowd all abdominal viscera 
out of place. High heeled shoes, likewise, 
throw the lower pelvis forward and lessen 
the protection that the sacrum naturally 
affords the uterus and ovaries. 

The Pelvic Bones are welded into one 
structure which composes the pelvic basin. 

48 



The ossa innominata, the irregular pubic 
bones, which form the sides and front of 
this basin, curve around and meet in front, 
the point of meeting being known as the 
symphisis pubis. The upper edge of the 
meeting point is about three inches below 
the upper projections of the hip bones. 




Fig. I. 

Female Pelvis seen from 

the front. 



Fig. II. 

Outlet of Pelvis seen 

from below. 




Fig-. III. 

Oblique view of Pelvis showing- the curve of sacrum and coccyx 

in poise. In the incorrect poise of many women the 

lower spine is almost perpendicular. 



49 



thus forming the pubic arch. The pos- 
terior borders of these bones join the lower 
section of the spine, known as the sacrum, 
which consists of five united vertebrae, tri- 
angular or wedge shaped, broadened at the 
top, its lower or narrower end being at- 
tached to the coccyx, the termination of the 
spine. (See small projecting bone at the 
end of the spine in Fig. III.) The coccyx 
often becomes displaced or bent as the 
result of a fall. The space enclosed by 
the foregoing bones is known as the pelvic 
cavity. 

The spaces in the wall of this basin, not 
completed by bone, are filled with muscu- 
lar tissue. Tissue also forms the floor of 
the pelvic cavity, and fills the space be- 
tween the tip of the coccyx and the pubic 
bones in front. The joinings of the bones 
of the pelvis are so firmly bound by liga- 
ments that movement is almost impossible. 
An exception is made, however, at the 
juncture of the coccyx with the sacrum, this 
joint being movable, ennabling the coccyx 
to bend slightly at the birth of a child. 
The pelvic bones, which form the front of 

50 



the basin, are cartilaginous, and spread 
slightly at childbirth, especially in a young 
mother. 

The pelvic cavity, which, in women, meas- 
ures but four and one-half to five and one- 
half inches in diameter, is sufficiently large 
to hold comfortably and compactly the vag- 
ina, the uterus, the Fallopian tubes, the 
ovaries, the bladder and the rectum, as well 




Fig. IV. 
Correct Position of Pelvic Organs. 
1. Uterus; 2, Ovary; 3, Fallopian Tubes; 4, Peritoneum which 
forms the ligaments supporting- the uterus; 5, Bladder; 6, Os, or 
opening into the uterus; 7, Vagina; 8, Rectum. 

It will be noted that the uterus, in correct poise, slants forward 
at an angle of above forty-five degrees. 

51 



as the ligaments which support these 
organs and the muscular tissues attached 
to their inner surfaces. The bladder is 
just in front of the vagina, and the rectum 
just behind it. Hence, any disturbance of 
the generative organs will in turn affect 
both the bladder and the rectum. 

The generative organs are the uterus, 
the two ovaries, the two Fallopian tubes, 
and the vagina. 

The Vagina is a highly elastic tube, ex- 
tending from the vulva to the uterus. 
(See 7 on Fig. IV.) From before back- 
ward it is flattened, its walls curving back- 
ward and following the course of the rec- 
tum. It varies in size and length, accord- 
ing to the individual. The upper end is 
firmly attached to the neck of the uterus, 
which protrudes into it about three-fourths 
of an inch. It is lined with a mucous mem- 
brane, and supplied with numerous little 
glands, which in a healthy condition pour 
out a sufficient amount of mucus to lubri- 
cate the parts. 

The lower orifice of the vagina is sur- 
rounded by highly elastic tissues capable 

52 



of great distention — a provision of nature 
to prevent injury at childbirth. When 
these tissues are in a healthy state they 
stretch without harm and readily resume 
their normal condition. They are inelastic, 
however, when in an unhealthy condition, 
and are often torn at the birth of a child. 
The tissues between the vagina and anus 
are often lacerated at childbirth, this exter- 
nal laceration sometimes almost wholly 
destroying the muscular wall between the 
lower part of the vagina and rectum. 

The Uterus, or womb, is a hollow mus- 
cular organ, a " serous" coat forming its 
external, and a mucous membrane its inter- 
nal covering, the latter being lined with a 
single ciliated epithelium or skin, called the 
endometrium. This mucous membrane con- 
tains numerous tubular glands, known as 
the uterine glands; it also contains lym- 
phatic spaces, communicating with the lym- 
phatic vessels in other layers of the organ. 

Between the external coat and the inter- 
nal membrane there is a thick muscular 
coat, composed of a number of layers of 

53 



smooth, muscular fibre, ingeniously lapped 
and overlapped, admitting of great disten- 
sion in pregnancy. In an unimpregnated 
condition the internal mucous membrane 
has no folds. 

The uterus — attached to the top of the 
vagina, as already described— is pear- 
shaped, the fundus or larger end being at 
the top, while the cervix, or smaller end, 
is at the bottom. Since it is top-heavy it 
will be readily seen how easily it may be 
thrown out of place, by pressure due to an 
incorrect position in walking, standing or 
sitting, or by a fall. 

When in a normal and healthy condition 
the uterus is light and hollow, ballooning 
about in the pelvis out of harm's way. It 
is suspended in the pelvis by means of the 
broad ligaments, which are folds of the 
peritoneum, extending laterally from the 
uterus to the pelvic walls. 

The length of the uterus, including the 
cervix, is about three inches. In women 
who have borne children it weighs from 
three to four ounces, while in the virgin it 
weighs one and one-half ounces. It is flat- 

54 



tened front and back, being about an inch 
in thickness and about two inches in 
breadth ; its cavity is very small, widening 
slightly into the shape of a pear towards 
the top, at the upper points of which are 
the openings of the Fallopian tubes, one on 
either side. 

The mucous membrane lining the cervix, 
or neck of the uterus, is folded. The cervix, 
which is kept nearly closed by two constric- 
tions, the inner and outer, is provided with 
a number of minute glands, which pour out 
a colorless secretion. In the virgin there 
is a curious marking inside the cervix, 
known as the arbor vitsB, or the "tree of 
life." 

The opening from the vagina into the 
uterus is called the os. 

The uterus is situated in the median 
line, tipping forward at the top at an angle 
of about forty-five degrees. This inclina- 
tion varies considerably, however, accord- 
ing to the contents of the bladder or the 
rectum. In order to fix its position in the 
body, imagine a line drawn from the tip of 

55 



the coccyx to the navel, such a line will 
pass through the uterus. 

The Fallopian Tubes extend from the 
top of the uterus to the ovaries. They are 
about four inches in length. Their walls 
are muscular, the tissues being continuous 
with the tissues of the uterus. The pur- 
pose of the Fallopian tubes is to convey the 
eggs, or ova, which are formed in the 
ovaries, to the uterus. They open into the 
uterus with trumpet-shaped mouths, then 
for a distance the openings in the tubes 
become so small that they will hardly admit 
of the insertion of a bristle. At the ova- 
rian ends they terminate in a fringe, or a 
number of slender fingers, which overhang 
the ovaries. To facilitate the conveying 
of the ovum to the uterus the mucous mem- 
brane, lining the tubes, is provided with a 
vast number of minute cilia, or hair-like 
processes, which force the ova towards the 
uterus. 

The Ovaries are the central influence of 
a woman's organization, determining her 

56 



sex and her womanliness. Nature lias, in- 
deed, shown marvelous care and ingenuity 
in constructing a nest for them, guarding 
and holding them with jealous care. The 
uterus cradles the egg or ovum after im- 
pregnation until it develops into human 
life, but the ovaries are the nests in which 
the eggs are stored. A woman deprived 
of them loses a most priceless gift, for they 
not only play a very important part in her 
mental and spiritual growth, but upon them 
depends the propagation of mankind. 
Therefore, their disease or removal is an 
outrage, resented by every part and func- 
tion of the body, and for which both mind 
and body must suffer. 

They are about the size and shape of 
an almond, from an inch to an inch and a 
half in length, about three-quarters of an 
inch in breadth, and about a third of an 
inch thick. They are composed of a frame- 
work of connective tissues, and supplied 
with blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and 
muscular fibres. They project from the 
posterior surface of the broad ligament of 
the uterus. (See Fig. IV.) 

57 



Even before birth the rudiments of the 
eggs contained in the ovaries of a female 
child are discernible. There are thou- 
sands of these minute eggs, each one occu- 
pying a little follicle, or cavity, each fol- 
licle having an abundant and independent 
supply of blood, as well as an independent 
set of nerves. Many of the ova do not 
mature, but atrophy. 

During childhood and youth Nature ex- 
pends all her forces in the process of devel- 
opment of brain, bone and muscle. She 
makes one exception, however — the ovaries 
lie practically dormant until the age of 
puberty, when they take on an activity 
which they retain throughout the entire 
child-bearing period. 

At each menstruation an egg ripens in 
one of the ovaries, and as it bursts through 
the thin covering in the ovary, it is caught 
up by the fingers of the Fallopian tube and 
sent thence to the uterus. If it becomes im- 
pregnated in the uterus it remains quietly 
in its own little receptacle at the entrance 
to the Fallopian tube for a few days. 
Meanwhile, a nest within the uterus, from 

58 



the membrane lining that organ, is being 
prepared for its reception. Escaping from 
its temporary position it lodges in this 
carefully prepared nest, where it grows 
and develops into a child. If not impreg- 
nated, it passes away. 

There is a supposition that the ovaries 
alternate with each other in ripening an 
egg at menstruation. Thousands of the 
rudimentary eggs, however, perish in their 
follicles undeveloped. When all that Nature 
intends to use have ripened and been cast 
out, the meno-pause (change of life) occurs, 
and the child-bearing period is ended. 

Blood Vessels. — The arrangement of the 
blood vessels of the pelvic and abdominal 
organs is somewhat different from that of 
the thorax and the extremities. The veins 
to the latter are furnished with valves, 
which prevent a return flow of venous 
blood ; but there are no valves in the veins 
of the generative organs ; thus interference 
with the circulation in one part of the gen- 
erative system more seriously affects other 
parts. 

59 



The blood vessels in the muscular tissue 
of the uterus are very winding. In the 
unimpregnated uterus, large spaces are 
filled with blood vessels, and the numerous 
veins without valves increase the liability 
of an overabundant gathering of blood 
there, which often results in congestion; 
hence the importance of keeping the blood 
pure and freely circulating. 

Nerves. — The value and usefulness of the 
organs of generation necessitate, not only 
an elaborate, but an intricate set of nerves 
for them. A perfect network of nerves 
covers the face of the sacrum behind the 
uterus. Everywhere throughout the gen- 
erative region are nerve centers and nerve 
fibres, branching in all directions. These 
small branches unite with the great 
branches which enter the spinal cord, 
thence running to the brain. The sympa- 
thetic nerve centers controlling these or- 
gans are particularly acute. 

Not only do the nerves of these organs 
communicate with the brain directly, but 
with the entire motor, sensory and sympa- 

60 



thetic systems. The sensory nerves carry 
impressions from all parts of the body to 
the brain; the motor nerves convey im- 
pulses from the brain to different parts of 
the body; the sympathetic nerves unite 
every part of the body, equalizing the cir- 
culation and regulating the distribution of 
nutriment. A diseased condition of the 
organs of generation interferes with this 
equal distribution of nutriment, impairs cir- 
culation, and weakens the entire nervous 
system.* 

Langley describes the nerves of the ute- 
rus as follows: "The uterus receives its 
motor fibres for both coats from the sym- 
pathetic chain, chiefly from the fourth to 
the sixth lumbar ganglia. Most of the 
fibres run to the lower inferior mesenteric 
ganglia and are connected with nerve cells 
there. 

"Stimulation of the hypogastric plexus 
causes contraction of the uterus. The 
fibres which arise from the spinal cord, 



* Publishers' Note: The nerves controlling the 
generative system are clearly shown on cuts pub- 
lished in the "Body Manikin" and in "The Nervous 
System," by Susanna Cocroft. 

61 



from the last dorsal and upper three or 
four lumbar nerves, run into the sympa- 
thetic and then reach the hypogastric 
plexus." 

An incorrect poise of the spine, common 
to so many women, throws these nerves 
out of position, weakens them, and the 
entire generative system suffers in conse- 
quence. 

The nervous system is too intricate and 
delicate a piece of machinery to be mis- 
used or abused ; an incorrect poise and con- 
sequent pressure upon nerve centers and 
ganglia is a flagrant abuse of it, and is the 
primary cause of much suffering. 

Location of Organs.— Looking down up- 
on the true pelvis from above, the uterus, 
the Fallopian tubes, and the ovaries have 
the appearance of being suspended in a 
swing, formed by a nest of ligaments, held 
in place by other rope-like ligaments. But 
for this ingenious arrangement of liga- 
ments, which Nature has provided to hold 
them in place, and to give them the free- 
dom and ease they require, the organs of 

62 



generation would lie helplessly upon the 
floor of the pelvis. This suspension enables 
the organs to move with every breath (par- 
ticularly with deep breathing) and with 
every motion of the body. 

Since the blood is conveyed through the 
ligaments to these organs, any condition 
which causes . impoverished blood weakens 
the ligaments, rendering them so relaxed 
that they are unable to hold the organs in 
proper position, hence retroversion or pro- 
lapsus is liable to result. 

The peritoneum is a membrane which 
lines the abdomen and covers the abdomi- 
nal and pelvic organs. It dips down into 
the lower pelvis, completely covering the 
upper part of the uterus, the Fallopian 
tubes and the ovaries, presenting to them 
a smooth surface to prevent friction from 
the contact of the various parts. 

This dipping of the peritoneum in front 
and back of the generative organs forms 
two folds, which envelop the organs and 
form the ligaments which hold them in 
place. Two of the ligaments, so arranged, 
run from the uterus to the bladder, thence 

63 



to the walls of the abdomen. On each side 
a fold envelops the uterus, the Fallopian 
tubes and ovaries, and then passes to the 
walls of the pelvis and upward. From the 
uterus two folds pass backward, encircling 
the rectum, thence upward, lining the part 
known as the small of the back. 

There is also a dipping down of the peri- 
toneum between ligaments supporting the 
uterus which forms, between the uterus and 
rectum, a blind pouch extending down the 
rectum and possibly a quarter the length 
of the vagina. At the termination of this 
— that is, below it — the front wall of the rec- 
tum and back wall of the vagina are prac- 
tically one. Between the vagina and blad- 
der, in front of the uterus, the peritoneum 
dips again, below which the front wall of 
the vagina and the posterior walls of the 
bladder and urethra are practically one. 

Where the abdominal muscles and the 
peritoneum lack strength and tone, many 
operations for prolapsus and retrovertion 
are performed, the uterus being stitched to 
the abdominal wall (a position as unnatural 
as the displacement), when all that is 

64 



needed is to build up the general tone of 
the entire system by regular exercise, 
breathing and diet. Nature will thus tone 
the ligaments to hold the organs in posi- 
tion naturally. 

Happily the knife for the correction of 
weakened ligaments is becoming less fre- 
quently used by our most experienced phy- 
sicians. The knife does not correct the 
cause of the weakness, nor does it 
strengthen the nerves or connecting tissues. 

Since the bowels rest upon the pelvic 
organs, one can readily understand that 
tight lacing, the weight of heavy clothing 
pressing upon the abdomen, or an incorrect 
position of the body while standing or sit- 
ting, tends to crowd the bowels down upon 
these delicate organs, doing irreparable 
injury by cramping them, or crowding 
them out of correct position, and will not 
only undermine the health, but greatly in- 
crease the dangers and suffering of child- 
birth. 

When in correct position, as indicated 
by Fig. IV., the generative organs are 
enabled to move forward, backward and 

65 



sidewise slightly with every movement of 
the torso, particularly with the movement 
in walking with the body in correct poise 
and with the movement of the diaphragm 
and the abdominal muscles in deep breath- 
ing. The space in which they are held is 
small, however, and their movements nec- 
essarily restricted, yet the exercise that 
these movements furnish them is most 
essential to their healthy condition, to per- 
fect circulation, and to their supply of pure 
blood. 

Since the promontory of the sacrum — 
which is a forward projection of the upper 
end of it— partly overhangs the uterus, 
and furnishes the only firm support of the 
bowels at that point, it can be readily seen 
that a correct poise of the sacrum — the 
entire spine, in fact — is most essential to 
the protection of the generative organs. 

The standing position of seventy-five per 
cent of women throws the large thigh joint 
too far forward, which in turn forces the 
promontory of the sacrum backward and 
the coccyx forward. All of the pelvic 
organs are thus forced out of position and 

66 



the abdominal and pelvic organs lose the 
support afforded by the sacrum. 

The contents of both cavities — the upper 
and lower pelvis — are held in proper posi- 
tion by the muscular walls of the abdomen, 
hence the importance, also, of proper and 
scientific exercise during pregnancy to 
strengthen these muscular walls, and give 
to them added strength and tone, that the 
weight of the child may be supported. 



67 



MENSTRUATION. 

Menstruation commences with puberty — 
recurring, as a rule, every twenty-eight 
days — continuing on an average of four 
days, terminating with the meno-pause, or 
change of life. It usually covers a period 
of from thirty to thirty-five years, varying 
with climate, race and individual. 

Since this is a natural function, unless 
an abnormal condition prevails, it is pain- 
less. 

Until comparatively recent years, it was 
generally believed that menstruation de- 
pended upon the maturing of the ovum and 
its release from the ovary. However, since 
the prevalent practice of removing the ova- 
ries has established the fact that a woman 
may menstruate regularly and normally 
without these organs, investigation has led 
to a dispute of the theory that menstrua- 
tion depends upon ovulation. 

68 



According to the latest theory regarding 
menstruation, this function is controlled by 
the tubo-uterine plexus of sympathetic 
nerves, and if these escape injury in such 
operations menstruation will not be affect- 
ed. Exercises to strengthen and stimulate 
this nerve plexus often establish menstrua- 
tion which, for some cause, has been sup- 
pressed. 

The source of menstruation is the dis- 
integration of the membranous lining of 
the uterus, which, together with the waste 
of the system, is discharged monthly. An 
excessive amount of blood is sent to the 
pelvic organs at this time, and a normal 
and healthy discharge of this blood brings 
a sense of purification — the brain is cleared, 
the nerves relieved, the body purged of 
impurities. It will be plainly seen that 
the blood supply should be normal, the 
organs developed and in correct position, 
in order that there may be no impediment 
or clogging to prevent the proper elimina- 
tion of waste. 

Before it is possible for the membrane 
lining the uterus to be discarded, the epi- 

69 



thelium, which is the thin skin covering 
its surface, must be shed. To facilitate 
this process its texture changes, and it is 
softened by fatty degeneration. The ter- 
minal ends of its blood vessels, or the capil- 
laries within its substance, are softened in 
like manner. This change of texture, 
through which means the thin lining mem- 
brane is removed, occurs several days be- 
fore menstruation. The removal of the lin- 
ing uncaps the vessels and allows the flow 
to escape from the capillaries situated in 
the fundus of the uterus and from the uter- 
ine ends of the Fallopian tubes. The mu- 
cus of the flow is discharged from the 
secreting vessels in the lower part of the 
body of the uterus, also from its neck and 
from the vagina. The purpose of this mu- 
cus is to dilute the other components of 
the flow and enable them to be discharged 
with greater ease. Particles of the disin- 
tegrated lining membrane of the uterus 
compose the solid ingredients. With every 
menstruation this disintegration occurs. 
The ovaries are more vascular at this 
time, owing to the increased activity of the 

70 



generative system, and to the rupture of 
one or more of the ripe follicles, which sur- 
round the ova, occurring simultaneously 
with the menstrual function. As the ripe 
follicle bursts through its membrane and 
tears the epitheleum covering of the ovary, 
there is a small discharge of blood ; yet the 
blood from the uterine mucous membrane 
is the chief source of the flow. 

The nervous system plays an important 
part in establishing normal menstruation. 
When the tissue becomes disintegrated, 
softened, loosened and dissolved, the action 
of the nervous system is necessary to dis- 
charge it. Through the influence of the 
uterine and ovarian nerves, a contraction 
of the muscular fibres of the uterus, Fal- 
lopian tubes, ovaries and ligaments occurs, 
delaying, or preventing a return flow of 
the venous blood from these parts, and, the 
weakened terminal ends being thus uncap- 
ped, the flow naturally occurs. 

As soon as the lining membrane of the 
uterus is discharged at menstruation, it 
begins to re-form and when re-formed the 
contraction of the uterine walls ceases, and 

71 



the blood is no longer forced out of the 
capillaries. The mucus glands also sus- 
pend their activity, menstruation ceases 
and the generative organs relapse into a 
state of comparative repose. 

A prolonged menstrual flow indicates 
that the new membrane has not re-formed, 
which may be due to impure or impover- 
ished blood, to a weakened condition of the 
nerves or to a foreign growth. 

After the meno-pause the generative or- 
gans, having no further active work to do, 
shrink. 

The flow, which is pink in color at the 
beginning of menstruation, becomes the 
color of arterial blood at its height, gradu- 
ally changing to a rusty color. It does not 
coagulate as ordinary blood. Any abnor- 
mal odor or coagulation of the flow indi- 
cates an abnormal condition, just as a foul 
breath indicates an abnormal condition of 
the digestive system. 

The majority of women menstruate dur- 
ing the first quarter of the moon, a few 
at new and full moon. 

While, as a rule, menstruation occurs 

72 



every twenty-eight days, yet a woman may 
be perfectly normal and menstruate regu- 
larly every three weeks. If, in such a case, 
she remains entirely well and the period 
recurs regularly every three weeks, it is 
evident that this is a physical peculiarity 
of her own, and there is no cause for worry. 

The duration of the flow also varies in 
individuals, lasting, as a rule, for from 
four to eight days. It is natural for some 
women to menstruate profusely and feel 
all the better for it, while others have but 
a scant flow, yet feel perfectly well. If this 
has always been the case and the health is 
unimpaired by such frequency and quan- 
tity of menstruation, it cannot be regarded 
in such individuals as abnormal. If, on 
the other hand, the health is affected by 
such frequency, profusion or scantiness of 
the flow, an abnormal condition is indicated 
and should be corrected at once, else the 
health will seriously suffer. As a rule the 
flow is more profuse in warm climates than 
in cold. 

The process of menstruation not only 
involves great force, but the generative or- 

73 



gans become highly sensitized, owing partly 
to the unusual nerve stimulus sent from the 
brain, and also to the greatly increased 
blood supply. The ligaments that support 
the uterus, the Fallopian tubes and ovaries 
may be considerably congested, because 
they have their certain work to do in con- 
nection with the process. 

Only perfect health will enable. the or- 
gans to bear the intense strain upon them 
at this time. They are benefited by this 
strain, however, and bear it painlessly if 
in a healthy condition, just as the liver, 
stomach, lungs, etc., are rendered healthier 
and stronger by properly doing the work 
which Nature designed for them. 

The tenderest solicitude should be shown 
young girls from twelve to sixteen years 
of age. Not only should they be fully in- 
formed by their mothers regarding this 
natural function, but their health should be 
guarded with the utmost care, and under 
no circumstances should they be over- 
worked, physically or mentally. The health 
of thousands of our young girls is wrecked 
by overstudy during these years. 

74 



PREGNANCY. 

When conception takes place, a mother 
assumes the crowning responsibility of her 
life, for she then enters into the marvelous 
work of creation — into a partnership with 
God. She is then confronted by the awful 
mystery of life — physical, mental and spir- 
itual. She is a sacred instrument in ful- 
filling a most beautiful and most immu- 
table law of Nature. 

It is needless to say that she should ap- 
proach the subject with the utmost rever- 
ence, and with such knowledge as is pos- 
sible to finite intelligence. 

Anticipation of this Eastertide in her 
life must draw her closer to her Maker, 
must awaken and enkindle divine aspira- 
tions. A soul has been entrusted to her 
care, and whether or not her child becomes 
a happy and useful member of society, or 
a miserable incompetent — a lasting re- 

75 



proach to her and a menace to society at 
large— is determined largely by her own 
conduct, health, and thoughts at this time. 

With a proper knowledge of her phys- 
ical organism and its workings, of life and 
its responsibilities, and an observance of 
Nature's laws, her child enters life prop- 
erly equipped to surmount its difficulties 
and to develop to the limit of its possibili- 
ties. Ah, who shall say what the possibili- 
ties of a fresh young life may be ! Every 
child unborn may be a Mozart, a Liszt, a 
Titian, a Coreggio, a Bonheur, an Eliot, a 
de Stael, a Willard, a Patti, a Shakespeare, 
a Savanorola, a Euskin, a Gladstone, a 
Lincoln. 

In preparing for pregnancy a woman 
should see to it that her body is perfectly 
sound and wholesome, else she is in no con- 
dition to bear a pure, sweet and healthy 
child. Since a mother's vital energy is 
severely taxed during pregnancy she needs 
abundant reserve force at this time, for 
her mental strength and moral poise de- 
pend upon this. She must also be suffi- 
ciently strong in the thought of the new 

76 



life entrusted to her, to resist influences — 
be they physical appetites or mental or 
moral weaknesses — which militate against 
her strength and menace the life and well 
being of her child, else she is in no condi- 
tion for the sacred privilege of mother- 
hood. If any disease exists, especially of 
the genital organs, she should be promptly 
and properly treated, but by far the best 
and only right method is to correct any dis- 
ease or weakness, and prepare body and 
mind for the new life and new duties be- 
fore conception. 

She must be sufficiently strong in spir- 
itual and mental force to assert her rights 
of womanhood and motherhood, and at the 
same time cement the affection and retain 
the homage of her husband. A true man 
will give to his wife a sacred deference, 
respect and chivalry at such a time, which 
draws closer the tender, holy bond between 
them. The thought of the dainty baby fin- 
gers is an invisible link stronger than iron 
bands. 

Any violation of the purpose of Nature 
at this time is a crime and an outrage of 

77 



the most deadly character, not only de- 
stroying the new life, but the murderous 
instinct which prompted it dwarfs the spir- 
itual life of the mother, and deadens the 
beautiful enfoldment which was her right 
and womanly privilege. An irrational 
mode of life that tends to cripple or weaken 
the embryonic child, not only insures pun- 
ishment for the mother, but brings a train 
of results upon the child; while to live 
rightly and cherish the designs of Nature, 
conscientiously and intelligently, will result 
in the sweetest blessings which life can 
hold. 

The processes involved in pregnancy are : 
Ovulation, Impregnation, Gestation and 
Parturition. 

By ovulation is meant the escape of the 
ovum or egg from the ovary ; by impregna- 
tion the contact and mingling of the male 
sperm with the ovum or female germ; by 
gestation the development of the ovum in 
the uterus during its stages of embryonic 
or fetal life ; by parturition the birth of the 
child. 

78 



Ovulation, and the time and location of 
fertilization, are shrouded in so much mys- 
tery and uncertainty that it would be 
hardly less than presumption to advance 
other than general theories regarding 
these questions. 

Impregnation is the uniting of positive 
and negative forces. It occurs when the 
matured ovum commingles with the viable 
male sperm; the fertilized ovum then 
lodges and develops in the uterus, and a 
new life is begun. 

It is a fairly well established fact that 
the ovum or egg, after it matures and dis- 
lodges from the ovary, may retain its life 
for from six to eight days, and consume 
that length of time in making its exit from 
the uterus — in the event of its not becom- 
ing impregnated. (One of these eggs bursts 
from the ovary at each menstruation.) 
With many women the ovum passes off 
within twenty-four to forty hours after 
the cessation of the menses. Ordinarily 
impregnation is likely to occur within 
six or eight days after menstruation — or a 

79 



few days preceding it. However, excep- 
tions to this may occur in diseased condi- 
tions, or in cases of a long separation of 
husband and wife. It seems also a fairly 
well proven fact that the male sperm is 
viable for some days, if retained in its own 
element at a certain temperature. 

Nature has likewise ingeniously ar- 
ranged, through floral and vegetable king- 
doms, for the reproduction of species. For 
instance, in plants, whose blossoms contain 
both the male and female principle the 
parts are so arranged that when the male 
pollen ripens it drops upon the female 
ovules beneath, and fertilization takes 
place. Some of the blossoms of the same 
plant are male and others female. "Where 
all blossoms are either male or female as 
in the strawberry, the male and female va- 
rieties should be planted in alternate rows. 

Nature further aids the propagation of 
life: Certain insects enticed by a secretion 
of honey go within the blossoms to seek 
this refreshment; as they do so, they brush 
against the male pollen, which is conveni- 
ently placed for this purpose ; thence they 

80 



fly to the female blossom for more honey, 
where they leave the male pollen on pro- 
jections which Nature has conveniently ar- 
ranged to receive it and fertilization oc- 
curs; thus the perpetuation of the species 
is provided for. 

It is not known whether the ovum, or 
egg, is fertilized in the ovaries, the Fal- 
lopian tubes, or the uterus. However, it 
is quite probable that conception may take 
place at any point in the generative tract, 
provided the male and female principles 
commingle during their viability. The gen- 
erally accepted theory seems to be that 
fertilization takes place in the ovary, and 
that the impregnated ovum remains in the 
ovary or Fallopian tube until the uterus 
has prepared a special nest for it. 

Both the male sperm and female germ 
must be in the right condition, else the 
uniting or contact of the two germs will 
not result in conception, and the ovum 
will pass from the uterus unfertilized. 
Neither does it follow that the matured 
ovum or egg always commingles with the 

81 



male sperm in its passage from the ovary 
through the uterus. 

The male sperm is undoubtedly endowed 
with sufficient power of propulsion to reach 
the ovary, which is only 2^2 inches from 
the uterus, and it is probable that there 
is some natural law of attraction between 
the male and female germs. 

The normal opening into the uterus 
through the cervix is so small that it will 
admit a probe only yk to %. inch in diame- 
ter. The relaxed condition of the organ 
during menstruation, however, when per- 
fectly normal, is such that the opening 
enlarges sufficiently for the painless dis- 
charge of the disintegrated mucous lining. 
It might be inferred that the relaxed condi- 
tion attending and following coition would 
tend to increase this opening slightly. 
Many cases of sterility are, doubtless, due 
to the almost closed passage of the cervix. 

Although menstruation usually ceases 
when conception takes place — since the 
uterus needs all of its energies for another 
and more important purpose, the develop- 
ment and sustenance of the embryonic 

82 



child — yet there are exceptions to this rule. 
Since the cessation of the menstrual func- 
tion may be due to other causes than con- 
ception, the non-appearance of the func- 
tion cannot always be taken as an indica- 
tion that conception has occurred. 

Immediately after impregnation the ute- 
rus begins to prepare a lining, or nest, for 
the reception of the precious embryonic 
guest, which it must nurture and guard for 
nine months. 

Extraordinary provisions must be made 
for the care of the delicate and minute egg, 
and for its nourishment and development 
through the various stages of its fetal life : 
The brain centers become cognizant of the 
inception of new life in some mysterious 
way, and instead of causing the uterus to 
shed its lining, they direct another and 
altogether different course of procedure. 
The lining is converted into soft, velvety 
folds, which fill the cavity of the uterus, 
making a safe and comfortable nest for the 
minute egg, containing the precious em- 
bryo. All the surplus blood, and all the 
nervous activity is consumed in this pro- 

83 



cess, hence there is no nncapping of the 
uterine capillaries. 

Kapid and remarkable changes take 
place in the ovum as the small germinal 
female spots within the minute egg unite 
with the male sperm penetrating it, by 
which union the inscrutable forces of Na- 
ture are put into operation to bring forth 
a new life. New impulses are awakened, 
to which a woman's whole being responds, 
all her powers making astonishing read- 
justments, for her life is now a dual one, 
and she must meet the responsibility of 
nurturing two lives ; she must now breathe 
for two. The new life within her must live 
as she does, with the exception of taking 
air into the lungs. Its processes of growth 
require nourishment, circulation, repair, 
waste and a kind of respiration. The per- 
formance of these requirements of nature 
need a mother's assistance, and they will 
be performed well or ill according to her 
own condition — the manner in which they 
are performed determining the future of 
her child. 

84 



During its earliest stages of develop- 
ment, the delicate impregnated ovum is sur- 
rounded by a yolk sac, which furnishes it 
both protection and nourishment, — that is, 
the ovum digests and absorbs the yolk 
which protects its frail and minute life. In 
like manner the yolk of the bird's egg 
envelops and sustains the delicate and 
minute life-germ within. The small white 
jellylike substance in the center of the yolk 
of each egg is the germ, capable of pro- 
ducing new life. The ovum as it passes 
from the uterus at, or following menstrua- 
tion, is small and not unlike the germ in the 

egg- 
In the case of the human embryo the 
yolk period of nutrition is brief and prob- 
ably variable. In from five to eight days 
after conception a membrane known as the 
chorion is formed around the ovum. The 
internal surface of the chorion is supplied 
with villi or tufts which resemble mulberry 
seed; it is from these that the embryo re- 
ceives its nutrition. The mucous membrane 
of the uterus, which rises in folds to form 
the nest for the embryo, is known as the 

85 



decidua vera; later it entirely envelops the 
ovum and is then known as the decidua 
reflexa. About the third month, the pla- 
centa begins to develop from tufts of the 
chorion and the decidua reflexa. 

The placenta is Nature's provision for 
the nourishment of the fetus; that is, it 
serves the combined purpose of furnishing 
nutrition and respiration to the fetus 
through its circulation. It is seven inches 
in diameter, and one inch thick at the cen- 
ter, thinning at the edge. At full term it 
weighs from three-fourths to one and one- 
fourth pounds. The placenta, together 
with the decidua reflexa and the umbilical 
cord, are known as the "after-birth." 

The placenta is a spongy body and is 
connected by the umbilical cord to the fetus. 
Although it lies in complete juxtaposition 
with the uterus, — an almost imperceptible 
membrane interposing, — its fibres and 
blood do not interlace with those of the 
uterus. Both nutrition and excretion are 
accomplished by transudation through this 
very attenuated membrane. 

86 



The uterus and placenta each have a dis- 
tinct set of blood vessels and capillaries, 
and a separate circulation. The lungs in 
the fetus are dormant ; the placenta serves 
the office of both lungs and digestive or- 
gans. From the placenta oxidized blood is 
brought to the fetus, through the umbili- 
cal vein, and after traveling the entire cir- 
cuit, collecting the waste and impurities, it 
is taken back to the placenta by two umbili- 
cal arteries, which are given off from the 
iliac arteries of the mother. 

At birth the umbilical veins form the 
round ligaments of the liver, and the um- 
bilical arteries the round ligaments of the 
uterus in the female, and the urachus, a 
ligament of the bladder, in the male. 

The umbilical cord is made up of two 
arteries and one vein, covered by the mem- 
brane continuous from the child. It is from 
two to four feet in length, attached at one 
extremity to the placenta, at the other to 
the navel of the child. This is the medium 
of circulation from the placenta to the 
fetus. 

87 



The membranes all unite before birth to 
form a thick, tenacious covering for the 
child. These enclose the fluid — the liquor 
amnii— which serves to protect the fetus 
from blows or sudden jars. The mem- 
branes, and the contained fluid, form what 
is known as the "bag or waters"; not rup- 
turing before birth, they make what is 
called a veil or caul over the child's face, 
to which is attached various superstitions. 

Eadical and important changes in char- 
acter, size and position take place in the 
uterus during pregnancy. For the first 
three months the gravid uterus, although a 
little lower than ordinary, remains in the 
pelvic cavity. As the fourth month ap- 
proaches the enlarging uterus, being incon- 
venienced in the small pelvis, gradually 
forces itself upward into the more commo- 
dious false pelvis above, and lies entirely 
within this at four and a half months. At 
this time, life is felt, as a rule, indicating 
that half the period of gestation has 
passed. Life, however, begins from the 
moment of conception, although not per- 
ceptible during the earlier months of gesta- 

88 



tion, because of the position of the uterus 
within the pelvic basin. 

The growth of the child being rapid 
during the second half of the period of 
gestation, the abdominal walls yield accord- 
ingly. Therefore, they particularly need 
strength and elasticity at this time in or 
der that disfigurement and weakness of the 
walls may be prevented. This strength 
and elasticity can be gained by regular ex- 
ercises for the abdominal walls. 

Not only is the quantity of a mother's 
blood altered and increased during preg- 
nancy, but the character is also changed. 
The heart, having much more work than 
ordinary work to do, increases in size about 
one-fifth. It still remains large if the 
mother nurses the child after birth, more 
blood being required for the work of pre- 
paring and storing milk; hence a stronger 
heart is needed to keep it moving properly, 
and the importance of deep, full breathing 
at this time cannot be over-estimated. 

The spleen and liver also increase in 
size. 

89 



The palpitation of the heart, which is 
likely to occur at such a time, is due to the 
pressure of the enlarged uterus, which 
causes changes in the position of the lungs. 

One may well imagine how greatly the 
delicate and complicated nervous system is 
involved in this process; the brain and 
spinal centers, which govern the genera- 
tive organs, have not only become cogni- 
zant of the inception of a new life, but are 
sending to the uterus unusual forces that 
direct its activities. 

The nerves of the pregnant woman be- 
come highly keyed, hence she is very im- 
pressionable. She should, therefore, have 
the greatest possible care and comfort 
both mental and physical. The fact that 
the sensory and motor nerves are often 
found perverted, undoubtedly gives rise to 
unsound maternal impressions, which may 
produce structural alterations in the fetus, 
and the mother needs soothing influences 
and special tenderness. If she is nervous, 
fretful, irritable and unreasonable, she 
should be given the utmost consideration, 
for if she is not constitutionally strong and 

90 



in perfect health, her digestion is likely to 
suffer, hence her body will not be properly 
nourished, which will affect her nerves and 
cause a depression of spirits. 

Parturition, or the escape of the child, 
is effected by the contraction of the muscu- 
lar fibres of the body of the uterus simul- 
taneously with the relaxation of the muscu- 
lar fibres of its mouth. The movements, or 
contractions, of the uterus proceed in a 
peristaltic manner from the Fallopian tubes 
to the cervix, occupying twenty or thirty 
seconds. If the uterus is lacking in strength 
or tone, it will contract too feebly to expel 
the child, in which event mechanical deliv- 
ery may be necessary. On the other hand 
the tissues may be too rigid to contract 
readily, delaying delivery and prolonging 
suffering. 

Too much stress cannot be laid upon 
regular exercise, correct breathing and 
diet for the mother during pregnancy. 
Above all things the mother should live 
hygienically during the pregnancy period. 
She will save herself much pain and much 

91 



expense and insure a normal tone after 
parturition if she puts herself under the 
direction of a health specialist who studies 
her case and gives her diet and exercise 
adapted to her condition. 

In a perfectly healthy condition the 
contractions of the uterus occur periodical- 
ly and rhythmically, the body gathering 
strength in the intervals for the next effort. 
These contractions force placental blood in- 
to the child or probably the child aspirates 
the blood from the placenta; the child may 
gain two ounces of blood in this manner. 

Although the pressure of the uterine 
walls is great, it is not so great as to injure 
the child. If, however, the uterus is in an 
inflamed or swollen condition, this pres- 
sure is more than likely to cause the mother 
excruciating pain. 

According to a wise provision of Nature, 
fatty degeneration of the membrane lying 
between the uterine walls and the placenta 
takes place just before parturition, causing 
the placenta to be easily shed from the 
uterus at labor. It is likely to adhere to 
the uterus, however, if that organ is in an 

92 



unhealthy condition; in such event it must 
be torn loose. If this becomes necessary, 
great care should be taken that the opera- 
ting hand be surgically clean and no par- 
ticles of the placenta be left adhering to the 
uterine walls, else blood poisoning may oc- 
cur. Moreover there is always danger of 
hemorrhage if the contractions that close 
the open blood vessels are delayed. It is 
here also that exercise which keeps up a 
circulation of good blood through the uter- 
ine walls aids in the normal contraction of 
these blood vessels, and in a complete dis- 
integration of the above membrane. 

A failure of the uterus to shed the pla- 
centa properly paves the way not only to 
placental adhesions, but the uterine lining, 
from which the placenta has been torn, may 
form scar tissue, resulting in many serious 
disturbances. 

Norma! Confinement.— Painful parturi- 
tion and laceration may be caused largely 
through fear and a consequent tensity of 
nerves; the mother does not relax to the 
realization that this is Nature's work — a 

93 



perfectly normal process. If the tissues 
are elastic they will give naturally to child- 
birth. If inelastic, and the nerves control- 
ling them weakened, laceration will inevit- 
ably follow. Laceration, too, is often due 
to a rigidity of the fibres of the cervix, pre- 
venting sufficient relaxation for the pas- 
sage of the child without injury. 

The tissues of the abdominal walls are in- 
volved during pregnancy, becoming great- 
ly stretched. If in a rigid condition they 
cannot stretch without injury. The ab- 
dominal walls are also likely to lose tone 
at this time, lying in thick folds after con- 
finement. This condition is not only disfig- 
uring, but the flabby abdominal walls do 
not furnish the abdominal viscera the sup- 
port that is essential to perfect health. 

Properly directed exercises after child- 
birth will not only repair the damage, but 
will restore the firmness and tone of the 
abdominal walls. 

The fact that savage women and animals 
have painless confinements proves that 
severe pain at parturition is unnatural. 

That a purely natural process should 

94 



be fraught with so much danger and pain 
seems peculiarly anomalous and utterly 
at variance with the usual order of other 
natural processes. In civilized races, how- 
ever, labor pains are so universal that most 
women have come to believe them natural, 
whereas they are the result of nerve strain 
and its resultant evils due to the artificial- 
ty of modern civilization and irrational 
living. 

Laceration.— Should laceration occur at 
childbirth, stitches should be taken and the 
tear repaired at the time. Much future 
suffering will thus be averted. 

Laceration is not only one of the most 
frequent bad results of childbirth, but it 
furnishes one of the most prolific sources 
of cancer. It can be avoided, however, 
by proper care at confinement and by 
proper exercises to tone and strengthen 
the tissues and supply them with pure 
blood through perfect circulation. If the 
blood be pure and the circulation force- 
ful, lacerations may heal of themselves 
before the torn tissue becomes seared, but 

95 



the safest way is to hold the torn edge 
together by stitches at once. If the mus- 
cles and ligaments are kept strong, free 
and flexible during pregnancy, the tissues 
will not tear. 

Care During Pregnancy.— The writer has 
treated hundreds of women through preg- 
nancy. By following deep breathing exer- 
cises to insure complete oxydation of 
the waste of the system, by establish- 
ing complete circulation throughout the 
entire body, and by regular practice of 
special exercises to strengthen all the 
abdominal and uterine muscles, parturi- 
tion will be practically painless. Through 
such natural means the mother can 
also regain the symmetry of her own 
body, prevent erratic mental conditions 
and gain in both physical endurance and 
mental repose. A healthy balance being 
thus established between the mother and 
the fetus, the growth of the fetus is not at 
the sacrifice of the mother's strength. Ex- 
ercises during pregnancy should, however, 

96 



be given under special direction, or injury 
may result. 

Proper exercise gives healthy elasticity 
to the uterus, not only preventing much dis- 
comfort during pregnancy, but enabling 
it to expel the child at parturition natural- 
ly, averting prolonged and exhausting labor 
and greatly lessening the dangers of lacer- 
ation. The normal condition thus insured 
will enable the membrane joining the 
placenta to the uterus to disintegrate natur- 
ally, thus expelling the placenta after the 
birth of the child; the uterus contracting 
normally, the blood vessels, ruptured by 
the separation of the placenta from the 
uterine walls are promptly closed and 
dangerous hemorrhages prevented. The 
healthy uterus will then return to its nor- 
mal size, and the many serious and fatal 
diseases following parturition be averted. 
How many women, alas, date their ill 
health from childbirth. This need not and 
should not be. 

Corsets should be discarded, as they im- 
pede circulation and digestion. The cloth- 
ing, which should be suspended from the 

97 



shoulders, should be loose, giving the abdo- 
men, waist and chest ample room ; while it 
should be as light as the season will admit, 
it should be sufficiently warm. 

I have been repeatedly asked to give 
general exercises and diet for pregnancy, 
but the treatment depends so much upon 
the condition of the individual that each 
case must be studied for intelligent direc- 
tion. Treatment for one case would be un- 
suited to another. 

The following general hints are safe for 
all: 

Keep the bowels regular by exercising 
them, by laxative foods (not by cathartics), 
and by plenty of liquid. Coarse cereals, 
bran, figs, fruit, especially prunes, and 
fresh vegetables, are laxative. 

Keep the kidneys active by fresh water, 
exercise and diuretic foods — among the di- 
uretics are dandelions, buttermilk, horse- 
radish, onions, spinach and asparagus. 

If the system shows too much albumen, 
meats and other highly nitrogenous foods 
should be avoided, or the quantity lessened. 

98 



In general, the mother should have a 
good, nourishing diet, easily digested, no 
fried food, pastry, coffee, pork or veal. 

The longing for indigestible food, such 
as pickles, chalk, etc., are simply indicative 
of a general hysterical condition and, 
where the foods are unwholesome, the arti- 
ficial desire should not be gratified. 

The stomach, especially at night, should 
not be overloaded. 

In case of severe engorgements of the 
breasts, fluids should be restricted. 

Immediately after labor, a milk diet for 
six to eight hours is best— then a regular 
diet. 

Gruels, plenty of fruits, fresh or stewed, 
liquids and vegetables are desirable for the 
nursing mother. 

She should not make the mistake, how- 
ever, of assuming that nourishing foods 
mean an excess of fat and starch, for while 
she needs these in proportion to the amount 
of energy put forth, she needs tissue-build- 
ing food in proportionate quantities. 

The value of plenty of fresh air day and 
night cannot be overestimated, both before 

99 



and after confinement. Remember that 
the child needs fresh air as much as the 
mother. 

During the latter months of pregnancy, 
the uterus, because of its position, causes 
compression of the stomach. The capacity 
of the stomach being thus lessened, food 
must be taken oftener and in smaller quan- 
tities. 

Abundant sleep and periods of complete 
relaxation are most essential to the health 
of the pregnant woman. She should lie and 
rest for an hour regularly each day, and 
acquire the habit of sleep if possible ; if she 
cannot sleep, she should learn how to com- 
pletely relax. 

An abundance of fresh air and sunshine 
should also be a part of the daily regime. 

Vomiting.— The first principle in the re- 
lief from vomiting, at any time, is to give 
the stomach a rest for from ten to twelve 
hours. If, however, there is a desire to re- 
plenish the loss of food after vomiting, do 
so by a dry cracker, or toast, well masti- 
cated. 

100 



Nausea is often relieved by the sipping 
of very hot water, which has a tendency to 
relax the nerves and muscles of the stom- 
ach. 

Very often a little nourishment before 
arising will prevent it. A little gruel, a 
cracker, an apple, a piece of toast, or any 
simple nourishment will do. 

Self-control in the selection of foods, no 
over indulgence, fresh air and daily exer- 
cise are the best preventatives. 

Avoid tight clothing and all pressure or 
weight upon the stomach or abdomen. 

Walking is good exercise if you stand 
and walk well; but a few well directed ex 
ercises prescribed by someone who knows, 
practiced in the privacy of your room, with 
little or no clothing, are better. 

Eemember that the mind has something 
to do with daily morning sickness. Ner- 
vous apprehensions will cause it. Be happy 
—form the habit of happiness. This is one 
of the surest remedies. 

The following is a list of dietetic sub- 
stances commonly prescribed for the relief 

101 



of nausea and vomiting, or for nourishment 
while those conditions exist: 

Cracked ice, milk with soda, one-third of 
a teaspoon to a glass, milk and lime water, 
milk and vichy, soda, seltzer, or carbonic- 
acid water, kumyss, meat juice, raw meat 
pulp, scraped, clam broth, sour lemonade 
or lemonade and vichy. 

Dry crackers, dry toast, and ginger snaps 
will sometimes be retained in seasickness, 
or a cracker buttered and sprinkled with a 
little Cayenne pepper. 

Husband's Responsibility. — Nature, in 
designing her great plan for the per- 
petuation of the race, intended that a 
woman should be joyous in the perfor- 
mance of her important part in the scheme 
of life ; any departure from this indicates 
an unnatural condition. Not only should 
the husband plan pleasant diversions for 
the wife and mother, but she should not be 
left to brood in solitude. Every fret and 
jar should be removed from her life, as far 
as possible, and she should not be over- 
burdened with domestic cares. 

102 



The tender love and care of the husband 
at this time foster natural and perfect 
growth of the child in the effect upon the 
nutriment as governed by the nerves of the 
mother. There is no direct connection be- 
tween the nerves of the mother and the 
complete nerve organism of the child. This 
is a most fortunate provision of nature, 
for were the growing fetus directly con- 
trolled by the moods and thoughts of the 
mother, many a child would start life with 
most unfortunate physical habits.* It is 
through control of the circulation that a 
mother's thoughts directly affect the child. 

It is through the husband's treatment of 
the wife and mother that he is enabled to 
impress his own life, character and develop- 
ment upon his child. Her condition ap- 
peals to the finest instincts of his manhood, 
and every resource within his power should 
be employed for the happiness of the two 
lives entrusted to his keeping. 

Intercourse during pregnancy frequently 
causes miscarriage, and is often the origin 



* Publishers' Note: See The Nervous System: 
Habits by Susanna Cocroft. 

103 



of distressing pelvic troubles. Indulgence 
at this time is apt to implant within the 
unborn child lascivious tendencies that 
will prove detrimental to it throughout its 
entire life. Most savage people as well as 
beasts of the forest suspend sexual relation 
during pregnancy. 

Birds and other animals furnish us a 
good example of the care and solicitude 
that the male shows the female in the 
propagation of species, guarding her from 
worry or physical discomfort during the 
development of their offspring, both before 
birth and while nourishing their young. 

Notwithstanding the fact that the great- 
est possible obligation rests upon the hus- 
band, the mother's own conduct and mental 
poise determine, after all, the happy or 
wretched issue of her condition. She should 
form the habit of looking for good in friend 
and foe, and strive to be even-tempered and 
joyous. Above all things, she should strive 
for self control; should remember that God, 
having enlisted her as a co-worker, is her 
sure strength and comfort. 

104 



DISTASTE FOR MOTHERHOOD. 

A repugnance for maternity indicates 
that there is something radically and seri- 
ously wrong, dwarfing the highest and 
noblest instincts of womanhood and rob- 
bing life of its most exquisite joys. This 
repugnance may be due to perverted ideas 
fostered in youth of the sweetness and dig- 
nity of motherhood. 

She who deliberately tries to evade moth- 
erhood thereby forfeits much that makes 
the name of "wife" sacred and inspiring. 

It is most unfortunate from one stand- 
point that a woman who recoils from the 
beauties of motherhood should become 
pregnant, for the mere giving of physical 
birth to a child does not constitute true 
motherhood; yet it is hoped that this condi- 
tion may arouse the dormant, maternal, in- 
stinct, which in her abnormal condition she 
has either suppressed or refused to recog- 

105 



nize. Such awakening heralds true soul 
development, lifts a mother to a higher 
plane ; broader vistas open before her, and 
life assumes a new and brighter outlook, 
as the true mother soul is born. Harmony 
with the Creator once established, this di- 
vine aid and the abounding love of the 
mother heart will so aid her in guiding 
the young life entrusted to her, that she 
cannot go far wrong. 

With many modifications and variations 
all living things come within the range of 
this ingenious arrangement of Nature. Her 
highest, most complex and most marvelous 
manifestations, however, are in the human 
species. That this beautiful law of nature, 
in its highest and holiest sense, should be 
regarded with shame, or veiled with so- 
called modesty, is not only the utmost 
sophistry, but a degradation, resulting in 
perverted ideas, disease and suffering. 

Children rivet the ties of matrimony. The 
bond is incomplete without this triune re- 
lation, representing the holy of holies in 
domestic life. 

106 



A married woman should at least be in 
condition for pregnancy, otherwise she is 
not a perfect woman, nor is she a perfect 
wife. If she is physically normal, the 
probabilities are that she will strongly de- 
sire to realize the joys of motherhood. 

Unusual care and solicitude are shown 
on the part of mother Nature in her efforts 
to produce her highest type, and eliminate 
all such as would thwart her purpose. She 
will often cripple a mother with disease, in 
cases where hereditary taint or disease is 
likely to crop out in her children, thus ren- 
dering her sterile. 

If a woman has no physical ailments 
which she fears to transmit to her progeny, 
and has sufficient intelligence to properly 
care for herself during the pregnancy 
period, a shrinking from the duties and 
privileges of motherhood is selfish, narrow- 
ing and womanish — she is not expanding, 
not ennobling, not taking her place in the 
world, realizing as did Mary, her power 
with God to create. She is not rising to 
her best, is not being the woman with whom 
every son should compare his sweetheart — 

107 



she must measure up to his mother or fall 
below his ideal. 

Sterility.— Sterility among young women 
usually has its inception in painful mens- 
truation, the primary cause being inflam- 
mation of the ovaries. Non-development of 
the ovaries at puberty is, in many cases, re- 
sponsible for this condition. Atrophy many 
times follows, producing sterility and loss 
of sexual function. Painful menstruation 
in such cases is due to unusual congestion 
of the pelvic organs, which causes pressure 
upon the diseased and sensitive nerves. The 
pain is most excruciating, neuralgic in 
character, coming in paroxysms. It must 
not be inferred that painful menstruation 
indicates sterility, however, for this is far 
from true. The causes of painful mens- 
truation are discussed elsewhere. 

Another cause of sterility is due to the 
cervix being almost or completely closed 
between the menstrual periods. This clos- 
ure is due, sometimes to over-strenuous 
nerves and the habit of holding brain and 

108 



body too tense and sometimes to displace- 
ment or flexion of the uterus. 

A sterile wife, who longs for the beauty 
and soul growth of motherhood, should at- 
tend to the development of the ovaries 
through regular exercise to strengthen and 
bring nourishing blood to them, should 
build up her general vitality and her ner- 
vous system. She should also relax to en- 
joy coition because the relaxation and con- 
sequent opening of the cervix, — by which 
the sperm more readily enters the uterus,— 
depends to a degree upon the relaxed con- 
dition of the nerves during and following 
coition. Lying on the back in a relaxed 
condition after coition is helpful. By vir- 
tue of the fact that the virile ovum remains 
in the uterus for six to eight days after 
menstruation, this is the most favorable 
time for impregnation. Three or four days 
before menstruation is also favorable. 

Many causes of sterility are amenable to 
rational treatment, and, if conception be a 
physical possibility, the sterile woman, 
yearning for the joys of motherhood may 
realize this natural and beautiful desire 

109 



by overcoming the cause of her sterility in 
a perfectly safe and scientific way. If the 
tissues are merely weak, they can be toned, 
and displaced organs can almost always 
be toned and put in place by exercise and 
by deep breathing, — thus purifying the 
blood and creating a good circulation. 

Exercises should be prescribed for her 
by one who has made exercise, breathing, 
bathing, diet and rest, for this purpose a 
study. 



no 



LACTATION. 

Since it was the mother's blood that sup- 
plied her nesting child with nutriment, her 
blood should also furnish it nutriment in 
the form of milk after its birth. Unless her 
blood is pure, however, it is not best for her 
to nurse her child. 

Some children may thrive on manufac- 
tured baby foods, while such foods are 
most detrimental to others; to none are 
they a satisfactory substitute for the 
mother's milk. Nature did not design the 
milk of an inferior animal for the nourish- 
ment of a human infant. The milk of a 
cow, for instance, not only contains too 
much casein for the new-born baby, but it 
is too difficult of digestion. 

Where it is absolutely necessary to nur- 
ture the child with cow's milk, care should 
be taken that the milk be pure, containing 
111 



no tubercular bacteria. It should always 
be sterilized. 

The contents of the bowels of a new- 
born baby consist of a substance known as 
meconium, and, although this substance 
served a necessary purpose during its fetal 
life, it must be discharged after its birth. 
Nature, therefore, has wisely supplied the 
mother's first milk with the needed laxa- 
tive, and, while this milk contains but little 
nourishment, it serves the purpose of free- 
ing the infant's bowels of the meconium. 
Artificial remedies cannot meet the needs 
of the infant as fully and safely as nature's 
own provision. 

The breasts often need care during the 
pregnancy period. Gently and soothingly 
massage them daily. As you do so, use any 
kind of a pleasant lubricant, a little olive 
oil into which you have mixed a few drops 
of perfume, cocoa butter, a face cream— 
anything which serves as a pleasant lubri- 
cant so that the hands may slip smoothly. 
After many massagings and dryings, bathe 
them in witch hazel, cold tea or alcohol. 

112 



This will prevent the nipples from crack- 
ing. 

Avoid all pressure or irritation from 
clothing, particularly avoid bust forms 
which press upon or overheat the breasts. 

If the breasts vield milk to the child, 
menstruation should not be expected, as a 
rule, for seven or eight months after con- 
finement. If the mother does not nurse 
her child menstruation may be expected 
much sooner. 

Profuse and regular menstruation after 
confinement is an evidence of inflammation 
and enlargement of the uterus, or some 
other diseased condition which needs at- 
tention. 



113 



ABORTION, OR MISCARRIAGE, 

The usual acceptance of the term abor- 
tion is to produce the death and expulsion 
of the fetus by a deliberate act— which is 
feticide. In scientific parlance the death 
and expulsion of the fetus, up to the sixth 
month of pregnancy, is designated either 
as abortion or miscarriage, whether it be 
the result of a deliberate act, or the result 
of an accident. After the expiration of 
six months the expulsion of the fetus is 
referred to as premature birth. 

A tendency to abortion or miscarriage 
may be due to various causes, a weakened 
or diseased condition of the organs of gen 
eration furnishing a prolific cause. Any 
disease of the uterus that lessens its vitality 
and prevents its enlargement will tend to 
result in the death of the fetus. Or, any 
diseased condition of the system that en- 

114 



feebles it may render a continuance of life 
in the embryo impossible. 

Every woman, in the early months of 
pregnancy, should be careful not to over- 
tax herself at the time when the menses 
naturally would appear. If at this time a 
feeling of heaviness and pains are expe- 
rienced, it is well to go directly to bed until 
the heaviness has passed. 

A lack of room in the pelvis and abdomen 
frequently causes miscarriages in first 
pregnancies. This results from tight and 
heavy clothing, insufficient exercise and 
defective breathing. The debilitating ef- 
fect of impure, heated atmosphere is also 
a cause; hence the importance of getting 
out into the fresh air and sunshine— of well 
ventilated sleeping and living rooms. 

Immoderate sexual indulgence is exceed- 
ingly harmful at this time, for it not only 
diverts from its needed purpose the 
mother's energies, but weakens the embry- 
onic life. Incontinence at this time espe- 
cially endangers a woman who has once 
miscarried. 

115 



The immediate cause of miscarriage may 
be lifting, straining, a fall, a jar, a blow, 
a violent cold, an acute attack of disease, 
fright, or any sudden mental emotion. The 
system soon forms any habit, and, once hav- 
ing miscarried, a recurrence in subsequent 
pregnancies, at the same periods, frequent- 
ly results, unless proper precautions are 
taken to build up the vitality. 

Miscarriage is much more liable to occur 
at the beginning, and during the third 
month of pregnancy. The greatest safe- 
guard against such a misfortune is vig- 
orous health. 

The same attention and treatment are re- 
quired during and after miscarriage, or 
abortion, as after normal confinement. The 
placenta must alway be detached, if it does 
not come away naturally. One miscarriage 
is more disastrous to the health of a woman 
than many natural births, because it is a 
perversion of natural laws. It often re- 
quires a longer time for the system to re- 
cover from the shock. 



116 



DERANGEMENTS OF THE GENERA- 
TIVE ORGANS. 

Uterine and ovarian weaknesses often 
have their origin in a generally depleted 
condition of the entire nervous system, in 
poor circulation, and a consequent mal-nu- 
trition. The cure for such cases is the 
building up of the strength and of the blood 
through proper assimilation of good, nour- 
ishing food. 

Scientific physical exercises adapted to 
the needs of the individual, deep breathing, 
proper bathing and diet, sunshine, hot and 
cold water— in fact Nature's remedies- 
will supply the needed tone to the nerves, 
establish perfect circulation through the 
vital organs, create a normal digestion, and 
cause a free elimination of the waste from 
the system. 

117 



In cases where disease has its origin in 
the pelvic organs, these organs must be 
toned first. If they are displaced, the mere 
putting them in position will not keep them 
there unless they, and the ligaments sup- 
porting them, are strengthened. Proper 
exercise directed to the pelvic organs cre- 
ates a strong circulation to their mucous 
linings, and to the ligaments supporting 
the organs, supplying them with pure 
blood; congestion, inflammation, general 
weakness, displacement, etc., are thus over- 
come, normal menstruation established, and 
the ligaments that hold the organs in place 
are sufficiently strengthened to support 
them. It takes time and patience to cor- 
rect conditions of years' standing, but re- 
lief through building up the natural 
strength is lasting. 

The network of sympathetic nerves about 
the pelvic organs is like so many telegraph 
wires over which messages are sent to the 
various organs of the body; hence, if the 
pelvic organs are diseased, the whole body 
suffers in sympathy. The connection be- 
tween these organs and the nerve centers 

118 



of the spine is very close, and the sympathy 
very great. Any weakened or diseased con- 
dition of them, therefore, is communicated 
to the great nerve centers, thence to the 
brain, and results in extreme nervousness, 
headache, backache and general loss of 
strength. The sciatic nerve is often af- 
fected, which accounts for the pain in legs 
and feet in many cases of uterine weakness. 

In fact the whole nervous organism is 
involved, the stomach being a most vulner- 
able point, because of its sensitiveness to 
all nervous disturbances, and because of 
the direct connection between the sympa- 
thetic nerve centers to the uterus and to the 
stomach; hence the digestion suffers and 
nutrition often becomes insufficient. 

Indigestion and constipation are often 
the first apparent symptoms of uterine 
weakness. The futility of treating a 
patient for these diseases, when they are 
merely symptoms, resulting from their 
close connection and sympathy with the 
nerves of the pelvic organs is appar- 
ent. Causes must be removed before dis- 
ease can be eradicated. 

119 



Amenorrhea.— Absent menstruation, or 
amenorrhea, varies, from a total suppres- 
sion of the function to an occasional ap- 
pearance of it; it may be due to one or to 
several causes. A general impairment of 
the generative organs may cause it; an ex- 
cessive accumulation of fat; a dropsical 
condition; a breaking down of lining tissue; 
anemia; constipation; displacement of the 
pelvic organs; adhesions; flexions of the 
uterus; a closing of the os by reason of a 
growth, some impediment, or by flexion at 
the os; weakness of the nerves; or a hard- 
ening of the uterus after pregnancy. The 
most prolific cause of suppressed men- 
struation is probably the taking of cold at 
the time of the flow. 

Menstruation may be suppressed tem- 
porarily by apprehension, anxiety, grief, a 
nervous shock, a disturbance of the diges- 
tive system, weakness following fever, or 
a change of climate. 

All of these conditions cause obstruc- 
tions, hence a retention of the waste in the 
system. If this waste accumulates for a 
long period the blood is poisoned by it. If 

120 



menstruation cannot be established, death 
will ensue, although the immediate cause 
of it may be due to some such disease as 
consumption, diabetes, Bright 's disease, 
etc. 

Impure blood, resulting from suppressed 
menstruation, reacts upon the brain, caus- 
ing dullness and drowsiness. Nature's ef- 
fort to rid the system of the accumulation 
of blood is often manifested in nose bleed- 
ing, headache, a dropsical condition, great 
lassitude, heaviness and aching of the 
limbs. 

The only rational relief from suppressed 
menstruation is the building up of the ner- 
vous system, getting the circulation in per- 
fect working order, the blood in a healthy 
condition, and in strengthening and putting 
the generative organs in place. 

Proper exercises, deep breathing, good 
nourishing food, regular habits, plenty of 
fresh air and sunshine, abundant rest and 
relaxation,— especially at the time when 
menstruation should occur, — will give Na- 
ture the needed aid in the work of recup- 
eration. A cure thus established will be 

121 



permanent, if ordinary care and precau- 
tions are observed, and, in the event of a 
cold being contracted at some unguarded 
moment, the body will have sufficient 
strength and power of resistance to throw 
it off. A treatment confined to local condi- 
tions, merely, can never accomplish such a 
result. There is no tonic so effective as 
exercise, fresh air and sunshine. 

Painful Menstruation or Dismenorrhea, 

has so many phases, and differs so ma- 
terially in individuals, that it is impossible 
to treat the subject in its entirety in this 
volume. Since it is a symptom indicative 
of disease affecting the organs of genera- 
tion, it should be treated as a symptom. 
It may be due to any one of several causes: 
congestion of the uterus; inflammation of 
the ovaries or Fallopian tubes; sluggish 
circulation; weakness causing a distension 
of the walls of the blood vessels; a stagnant 
condition of the blood in the veins of the 
uterus; or structural changes in the walls 
of the uterus. An oversupply of blood in 
the vessels yielding the flow will cause un- 

122 



natural congestion and result in torturing 
pain, severe headaches, great restlessness, 
ofttimes accompanied by a rise in tempera- 
ture and quickening pulse, the skin becom- 
ing hot and dry. Eeflex symptoms are 
often apparent, such as pain down the legs 
and in the small of the back, nausea, con- 
stipation, exhaustion, sensitive bladder, 
and sore, tender breasts. In very severe 
cases, the pain will appear at intervals be- 
tween menstrual periods. 

Painful menstruation may also be due to 
some mechanical obstruction, such as a clot 
of mucus or blood in the cervix,— or a for- 
eign growth may impede the flow. 

Flexion of the uterus is a very common 
cause of painful menstruation. The uterus 
being bent upon itself, either forward or 
backward, will nearly close the canal and 
cause the patient to writhe in agony as the 
nerves contract in an effort to expel the 
accumulation of menstrual fluid. Uterine 
colic is frequently observed in such cases. 
The retention of the menstrual flow by such 
obstructions distends the uterus, the mus- 
cles contract, and this expulsive effort 

123 



causes pain. As the flow comes with a gush 
the pain is relieved until another accumula- 
tion causes a distention. Clots are some- 
times expelled resembling pieces of liver. 
This is especially the case when the ob- 
struction occurs in the cervix. 

A thickening of the lining membrane of 
the uterus will prevent its dissolving nat- 
urally into almost invisible particles, and, 
if it does not dissolve, it will not pass away 
painlessly. In such diseased conditions it 
is expelled in patches or shreds, or as a 
whole, accompanied by intense pain. The 
natural disintegration of the lining mem- 
brane has been explained under "Men- 
struation." 

The almost unbearable neuralgic pains, 
variable and shifting, occur in highly ner- 
vous temperaments, and indicate a diseased 
state of the nerves centering in the pelvic 
organs. They are most frequent in young 
girls at the age of puberty and young mar- 
ried women who have never borne children. 
These neuralgic pains being of a shifting 
nature attack various parts of the body, the 
head or the teeth, sometimes extending 

124 



down one or both legs, as well as through 
the breasts, the inter-costal muscles, etc.; 
even the heart is sometimes affected t>y 
them. , 

The mind suffers greatly from such ner- 
vous disturbances and irritability is very 
frequent in such cases, accompanied often- 
times by a desire to withdraw from all 
companionship and brood over fancied 
sorrows. The only rational method of 
treating such a condition is to strengthen 
the entire nervous system, and build up the 
vitality. 

A dilation of the cervix, in an effort to 
relieve painful menstruation, is apt to seri- 
ously injure the tissues and nerves. Na- 
ture properly assisted by special exercises, 
water, and a toning of the nerves will usual- 
ly, take care of this natural function with- 
out injury to the delicate parts. 

Painful menstruation is so frequent 
among civilized women that it has come to 
be universally regarded as "the sick time," 
and anticipated by many with fear and 
dread. This should not be. Perfectly nor- 
mal menstruation is so essential to a 

125 



woman's health and happiness that the im- 
portance of its regular and painless recur- 
rence cannot be too forcibly impressed upon 
her mind. There is nothing that makes 
such sad ravages in her appearance as a 
disturbance of this function. The traces of 
painful, profuse, irregular or scanty men- 
struation may in the beginning disappear 
at the cessation of the flow, yet it is only a 
matter of time when the tense lines of the 
face, the unhealthy color of the skin, the 
dark circles about the eyes will proclaim, 
to even the casual student of physiology, 
the nature of her ailment. The woman so 
afflicted soon loses her buoyancy and her 
attractiveness; her mind becomes dulled, 
and her whole nervous organism suffers. 
Many women become morbid and even in- 
sane through such disturbances. They 
may escape the penalty until the change of 
life, but it must be paid then, too often, 
alas, in tumors, cancers, or insanity. 

Chlorosis, or green sickness, most often 
attacks young women or girls nearing pub- 
erty. This disease is due to insufficient red 

126 



corpuscles in the blood. The skin becomes 
pale, dark circles appear around the eyes, 
the lips are pale, dropsical symptoms often 
appear, the hands and feet are icy, indi- 
cating that the circulation is poor, and 
often there is palpitation of the heart. 
"Without the least exertion the sufferer will 
feel exhausted, the head becomes dizzy, and 
she will experience a ringing in the ears. 
An aching of the spine, and symptoms of 
hysteria and melancholia, great loss of ap- 
petite and cravings of a morbid nature, are 
symptoms frequently encountered. In such 
cases the menses are usually irregular or 
absent, the flow thin— leucorrhea may ap- 
pear at the time of menstruation. However, 
profuse menstruation accompanies some 
cases of chlorosis. 

If young girls, nearing the age of puber- 
ty, receive intelligent and proper instruc- 
tion, tender care, and affection, much suf- 
fering will be saved them throughout their 
lives. In their ignorance they frequently 
check the menstrual flow, and arrest their 
development, by taking cold. It is of the 
utmost importance that the health be well 

127 



looked after at this age, that life be made 
as easy and pleasant as possible. The cir- 
culation should be free and strong, and 
blood properly nourished, the organs of 
elimination in perfect working order, else 
development of the generative organs will 
be retarded. Non-development of the 
ovaries may manifest itself in a flat chest, 
stooped shoulders, lustreless eyes, a dull 
mind and blunted affections. 

Epilepsy, also, often has its inception in 
some disturbance of the menstrual function. 

Congestion and Inflammation of the 
uterus are caused by a distention of the 
blood vessels of the walls, due directly to a 
lack of tone of the nerves, and result in 
tension, swelling, pain, heat and redness, 
and in profuse and prolonged menstruation. 
This distention causes a pressure upon the 
weakened nerves that traverse the tissues 
of the uterus, and produces great pain and 
distress, both in the uterus and in the or- 
gans connected with it. Pain is also felt 
in the back and in the head. 

128 



The fact that the uterine blood vessels 
are crooked conduces to great distention 
of them when congested. The stagnant con- 
dition of the blood which results, and the 
consequent enlargement of the organ, pre- 
vents the proper nourishment of the uterine 
tissues and the natural elimination of their 
waste. The only wise course is to take 
prompt measures for the building up of the 
nerves. These nerves are strengthened by 
hygienic living, by exercise, deep breath- 
ing, nourishing food and fresh air. 

There are special high-sounding names 
given inflammation, varying according to 
its location, yet the condition, regardless 
of location, is of the same general char- 
acter. 

Bach blood vessel is supplied with di- 
lating and contracting nerves. A weak con 
dition of the nerves, therefore, will prevent 
proper expansion and contraction of the 
arteries, circulation will be impeded by the 
vessels becoming filled with blood. Their 
walls thus crowded with blood become lax 
and gradually expand, allowing some of the 
elements of the blood to escape into adjoin- 

129 



ing tissues. This accumulation of blood 
causes an expansion of the tissues; chemical 
changes take place, resulting in impurities, 
which cause inflammation, and may result 
in ulceration. 

Enlargement of the Uterus.— In preg- 
nancy the uterus gradually enlarges and 
rises from the lower pelvis into the upper 
pelvis, which is larger, consequently the 
adjacent organs are not crowded, as when 
the organs are enlarged through disease or 
foreign growths. Enlargement of the 
uterus, through a diseased condition, places 
too great a strain upon the ligaments that 
support it. An undue strain weakens them 
and retards their movement ; if the enlarge- 
ment continues the ligaments give out un- 
der this strain, and the uterus is then not 
only enlarged but it becomes displaced. 

The enlarged uterus may be indurated or 
soft, extremely sensitive to the touch, or 
its sensory nerves may have become so im- 
paired that it is devoid of sensation. There 
are many causes for the enlargement of the 
uterus, as, adhesion of a part of the pla- 

130 



centa after childbirth, a weakness due to a 
lack of exercise of the pelvis, or a conse- 
quent refuisal of the uterus to resume its 
normal size after confinement, etc. 

Leucorrhea. — The immediate cause of 
leucorrhea is inflammation, originating in 
weakness, which in turn greatly weakens 
the ligaments that support the uterus. It 
is sometimes called "the whites," because 
of its color, although, owing to its fetid 
character, it changes in color from white 
to greenish yellow. It varies from the con- 
sistency of cream to that of a curd. Being 
one of the commonest diseases, or symp- 
toms of disease, it is regarded by mo'st 
women as "nothing serious," and by some 
as "natural," which facts greatly increase 
the grave danger of it. 

Young girls are often afflicted with leu- 
corrhea without their mothers' knowledge. 
The insidiousness of the disease is in- 
creased by the fact that it seemingly gives 
but little trouble for so long a time; yet the 
vitality of the victim is being surely and 
steadily sapped by it. Owing to the sensi- 

131 



tiveness of the nerves of the generative or- 
gans, diseased products are more easily ab- 
sorbed into the system than is the case in 
any other part of the body ; by virtue of the 
absorption of such poisonous products of 
disease, abnormal growths frequently re- 
sult. 

Leucorrhea is analogous to catarrh of 
the lining membrane of the head, nose and 
throat. In severe and advanced cases of 
the disease, the discharge is of so acrid and 
excoriating a character that the skin will be 
rendered sore, and the vulva become highly 
inflamed by it. It will eventually cause 
looseness and flabbiness of the vagina. 

Some of the richest constituents of the 
blood are contained in this discharge; hence 
it deprives the system of important nu- 
tritive elements, and is a continual drain 
upon the vital forces. The system so de- 
prived of these nutritive elements, which 
were designed to meet the general needs 
of the body, is too enfeebled to meet the 
deficiency. This is owing principally to 
the fact that instead of being supplied with 
reserve strength, enabling it to resist dis- 

132 



ease and run the human machinery, it has 
been weakened by the unnatural waste of 
nutritious elements. 

The sticky character of the discharge, to- 
gether with the inflamed condition of the 
cervix, sometimes completely closes the 
mouth of the uterus. This causes an accu- 
mulation of mucus within the uterus, and 
in order to expel this, labor-like contrac- 
tions occur. 

Various local causes may lead to leucor- 
rhea. Some of the most frequent immediate 
causes are tight lacing, strenuous exercise 
during menstruation, heavy underskirts 
hung from the waist, damp clothing, wet or 
cold feet, uncleanliness, prolonged nursing, 
abortions, miscarriages. The only cure for 
leucorrhea is in overcoming the cause of 
the inflammation and weakness. This is 
effected by good blood and by exercise to 
strengthen the affected parts, as well as the 
entire body, by deep breathing, fresh air 
and nourishing food. 

Displacement of the Uterus.— Since the 
uterus is suspended within the pelvis 

133 



by ligaments, which allow it freedom 
of motion, it can only be regarded as dis- 
placed when it permanently remains out of 
position. A distention of the bladder will 
cause a temporary backward displacement 
and a heavily loaded rectum, a forward dis- 
placement; but the uterus resumes its cor- 
rect position when the bladder and rec- 
tum are relieved. With every step and 




Fig. IV. 
Correct Position of Pelvic Organs. 
1. Uterus; 2, Ovary; 3, Fallopian Tubes; 4, Peritoneum which 
forms the ligaments supporting- the uterus; 5, Bladder; 6, Os, or 
opening into the uterus; 7, Vagina; 8, Rectum. 

It will be noted that the uterus, in correct poise, slants forward 
at an angle of above forty-five degrees. 

134 



with every breath, particularly with the 
deep abdominal breathing, the uterus 
moves. 

A prolonged displacement impedes its 
natural motion, preventing the blood from 
passing freely to and from it ; as a result, 
it becomes enlarged, heavy, weakened, and 
an easy prey to disease. A displacement 
twists the broad ligaments supporting it, 
and since it is through these broad liga- 
ments that the blood vessels pass to and 
from the uterus, they, also, are distorted; 
as the quantity of blood held within its 
walls increases, the uterus becomes heavier, 
the ligaments weaker and less able to aid 
it in resuming its normal position. 

The primary cause of such displacement 
is usually a general weakness of the entire 
body. 

The weakness may be due to overwork, 
overstrain, menstrual difficulties, too fre- 
quent childbearing, constipation, indiges- 
tion, poor circulation, impoverished blood, 
etc. 

A heavy, bearing-down pain in the pel- 
vis, backache, difficulty in walking, pain- 

135 



ful menstruation, and excessive nervous- 
ness, are symptoms of a displaced or pro- 
lapsed uterus. 

Measurements of eighteen thousand 
women show that the standing position of 
seventy-five per cent of them tips the ute- 
rus backward; in walking with the body 
in this common poise, the heel strikes the 
ground and the body is jarred so that the 
ligaments become stretched and weakened 
and the result is prolapsus or retrover- 
sion, — very common derangements. 

Walking is not good exercise unless the 
body is properly poised. If women merely 
form habits of correct standing, walking 
and breathing, a new and vibrant life force 
will be experienced. , 

Deep breathing gives the uterus the 
rhythmic motion which aids in conveying 
the blood to and from it. Such motion is 
also necessary to the maintenance of a per- 
fect circulation, and perfect equilibrium, — 
yet how few women breathe correctly! 

The uterus will go back to place by the 
patient assuming the right position to so 
place it, and its supporting ligaments can 

136 



be strengthened by special physical exer- 
cises used while in this position. The right 
exercises directly reach and strengthen 
these organs just as the muscles of the 
arms and legs are strengthened by exer- 
cises. 

It is just as reasonable to splice the arm, 
take out a section of the muscles and sew 
it together, because the arm muscles have 
become weak and flabby through lack of 
exercise, as it is to cut out a piece of the 
ligaments supporting the uterus and sew 
them together because they have become 
flabby. Happily this operation is not as 
common as it formerly was. Women and 
physicians are realizing that there is a bet- 
ter way. Exercise intelligently prescribed 
for the ligaments brings tone rviiu strength, 
and they contract and shorten naturally by 
reason of this strength, just as flabby mus- 
cles in any part of the body become strong 
by exercise and general vitality. The 
above is the only rational method of cor- 
recting displacement. 



137 



Anteversion is a turning forward of the 
whole uterus, the bend coming near the os. 




Fig. V 
Anteversion and Anteflexion. 
1, Uterus; 2, Bladder; 3, Rectum; 4, Vagina. 
The uterus, bent upon itself, as well as tipped forward, inter- 
feres with menstruation and compresses the bladder. 



Anteflexion is a bending forward of the 
top of the uterus only, and results from the 
muscles of the uterus becoming so softened 
and relaxed that the organ bends upon 
itself. When both anteversion and ante- 
flexion are present, the condition is more 

138 



serious and complicated, and will require 
a longer time to cure, since such a dis- 
placement indicates both an enlargement 
of the organ and a softening of its muscu- 
lar walls (See Fig. V.). 

When the uterus is displaced, it cannot 
always empty itself properly at the men- 
strual period, and a part of the flow in the 
form of clots may be retained from one 
period to the next. This may be especially 
true in anteflexion of the uterus. 

If the uterus becomes anteverted, the 
bladder and the nerves controlling it be- 
come greatly irritated, hence the desire for 
frequent urination in such cases ; yet void- 
ing the urine does not relieve the discom- 
fort. If this unnatural strain upon the 
bladder is not removed, inflammation, or 
cystitis, results. Through the constant irri- 
tation that this puts upon the nerves, the 
sphincter muscles controlling the neck of 
the bladder lose their function eventually 
and a constant dribbling of urine will ren- 
der the life of such sufferer a burden. 

The urethra may become involved in pro- 
longed inflammation of the bladder; if pro- 

139 



longed for too long a period such inflamma- 
tion may extend to the kidneys. 

Retroflexion is a bending backward of 
the uterus upon itself in the same manner 
as the anteflexed uterus bends forward. 
The muscular walls of the uterus, in retro- 
flexion, become abnormally thin in the 
front, while the rear walls become abnor- 
mally thick, resulting in a varicose condi- 
tion of the veins within the ligaments, even- 
tually leading to prolapsus of the ovaries, 
Fallopian tubes, and the uterus. 

Since flexions are so liable to occur after 
confinement, owing to the soft and enlarged 
condition of the uterus, women cannot be 
too careful at this time, and should not 
leave their beds too soon. 

The inflammation caused by flexions is a 
very prolific cause of adhesions of the bow- 
els, and if the uterus remains displaced for 
long it is very liable to adhere either to 
the rectum or to the back bone. 

Both retroflexion and anteflexion are due 
to weakened ligaments, to a heavy uterus, 
and a softening of its tissues. 

140 



The cavity of the uterus may close by 
retroflexion, just as described in anteflex- 
ion, impeding the menstrual flow. 

Retroversion means a backward dis- 
placement of the entire organ. As the 
enlarged uterus falls back against the rec- 
tum, that organ is weakened, and the space 
through which the fecal matter must pass 
is lessened, so that constipation often re- 
sults. 

The unnatural tension put upon the 
uterine ligaments causes backache ; a hard- 
ening and drying of the feces, packed in 
the upper part of the rectum, results, and 
while so retained some of the poisonous ele- 
ments are absorbed into the circulation; 
the whole system suffers, the uterus often 
becoming infected by the poison. 

Various diseases of the rectum often at- 
tend such displacement of the uterus, not 
only because of the pressure upon the rec- 
tum, but also because of the interference 
with the circulation through the mesenteric 
veins, which causes piles. 

141 



Such displacement drags all of the con- 
necting organs more or less out of posi- 
tion. The stretching backward of the cord 




Fig. VI 
Retroversion 

1. End of Fallopian Tube; 2 Ovary; 3, Uterus: 4, Bladder; 5, Rec- 
tum; 6, Vagina. 

It will be noted that in retroversion the uterus, instead of tipping 
forward forty-five degrees, tips backward, compressing the bladder, 
the vaginaand the rectum and flexing the opening into the vagina, 
which interferes which menstrual flow. 

which attaches the bladder to the navel 
causes pain in the umbilical region, and 
serious complications often arise. The 
pressure of the uterus causes a disturb- 
ance in the network of nerves of the back, 

142 



producing distressing mental and nervous 
symptoms and backache. 

Some of the symptoms attending such a 
displacement are a dragging sensation in 
the pelvis and the back, pains down the 
front of the thighs, derangement of the 
nerves of the stomach, severe pain in the 
back of head, melancholia, etc. The cir- 
culation is impeded by the twisting of the 
broad ligaments, and there is always lia- 
bility of this resulting in varicose veins. 

Prolapsus, or Falling of the Womb is due 

to an enlargement of the organ, as a 
result of congestion and inflammation, the 
muscles by which it is swung being so se- 
verely taxed that they lose their elasticity, 
and can no longer hold the enlarged and 
heavy organ in place. The prolapsus may 
be complete or partial. (See Fig. VII.). 
Such a displacement ultimately drags 
down the vaginal walls, as they are con- 
tinuous with the neck of the uterus. As 
the anterior wall of the vagina forms the 
posterior wall of the bladder, it also be- 
comes prolapsed, resulting in serious com- 
plications. 

143 



Partial paralysis may result from a com- 
plete prolapsus, owing to the pressure upon 
the sciatic nerves running down the legs. 
This pressure upon the nerves causes them 
to ache, and this ache is often confused with 
rheumatism. 

In order to overcome this difficulty the 
inflammation must first be reduced before 




Fig. VII. 
Prolapsus, or Falling of the Womb. 

1, Peritoneum; 2, The ligaments of the Peritoneum, which 
have become so weakened and stretched that they give no sup- 
port to the uterus; 3, Rectum; 4, Bladder; 5, The prolapsed 
uterus, which has dropped down into the vagina. 

The pull and pressure upon the delicate and sensitive nerves 
about the uterus may be well imagined in the displaced position 
of this organ illustrated in cuts V, VI and VII. These cuts 
show the extreme position of the organs; many women suffer 
from displacement in varying degrees. 

144 



the uterus will return to its normal size, 
weight and position. If the vitality be 
built up systematically, the uterus will 
assume normal tone, and the ligaments 
holding the organ in place will be strength- 
ened. Exercises and cold salt water 
douches are particularly helpful in most 
cases of prolapsus. They give tone and re- 
establish the normal circulation through 
the organ. 

Many advise pregnancy as a means of 
cure for displacements, but a displaced 
uterus means a weakened and often a dis- 
eased one, which condition will affect the 
child, the mother is most liable to mis- 
carry and thus bring upon herself still 
greater sufferings. The general weakness, 
or the impoverished blood which may have 
caused the displacement, should be cor- 
rected before a woman risks pregnancy, 
both for her own sake and for the sake of 
the child. 



14' 



OPERATIONS, 

One cannot speak too strongly against 
the tendency of the past few years to oper- 
ate upon a woman upon slight provocation. 
Every woman should hold her body as God- 
given and inviolable and should allow an 
operation only after every other means 
have failed. Osteopathy, physical culture, 
the rest cure and such means are more 
natural and more lasting than the knife. 

Vigorous, promiscuous exercise must not 
be indulged in; but the right kind of exer- 
cise, directed by one who has made the 
condition a study, is invaluable. 

Many of the local treatments and opera- 
tions resorted to for female complaints are 
barbarous to a degree, and tend to aggra- 
vate such troubles. 

Pessaries and Shortening of Ligaments. 
—The use of pessaries, or artificial sup- 

146 



ports, do not overcome the cause of dis- 
placements or prolapsus of the uterus, 
hence their use, alone, cannot effect a cure. 
The real cure is in building up the strength 
and vitality through the natural means of 
exercise, nourishing food, deep breathing 
of fresh air and rest. The work of restora- 
tion of a good circulation and tone to the 
muscles should be begun at once. 

Neither can a shortening, by the knife, 
of the ligaments, correct the cause of their 
laxity. If the blood remains impoverished, 
and all connecting tissues remain weak, 
with the heavy uterus, which almost always 
prevails, it is only a matter of time when 
the ligaments will stretch still more. These 
relaxed muscles need tone, not abuse. 
Harsh methods do not supply the nerves 
with the needed tonicity, and it often takes 
one longer to recover from the shock of the 
operation than from the original trouble. 
Properly treated and strengthened, the 
nerves and muscles will, of themselves, lift 
the uterus into its normal position. 

Pessaries are often a help, however, in 
holding the uterus in place and thus pre- 

147 



venting the undue strain upon the liga- 
ments while they are being toned and 
strengthened. 

Fixation.— One of the most irrational 
and cruel methods employed in surgery is 
ventral fixation, a fastening of the fundus 
of the uterus to the abdominal walls. The 
uterus should be movable and this fixation 
is as unnatural as the displacement. In- 
tense nervousness, burning pains and a 
pulling sensation may follow such an opera- 
tion. Nature never intended this organ 
to be sewed to another. This unnatural 
effort to overcome a form of displacement, 
amenable to rational treatment, produces 
another kind of displacement, with no 
chance of relief. Dragging the uterus for- 
ward and upward several inches in such 
an operation puts a strain upon the blad- 
der, as well as upon the nerves, muscles and 
tissues and may cause displacement of the 
contents of the whole pelvic viscera. Hap- 
pily the most progressive physicians no 
longer recommend this operation. 

148 



Curettment— In curettment, a speculum 
is inserted into the vagina and it is grad- 
ually distended. Then the uterus, by the 
aid of sharp hooks, is dragged downward 
and outward to the vaginal orifice. The 
mouth of the uterus is then dilated, the 
curette inserted into its cavity, and, as it 
is drawn outward, the inner wall of its lin- 
ing membrane is scraped away by the pres- 
sure of the sharp edges of the instrument 
against it. Ostensibly the purpose of 
this operation is to clear away the diseased 
lining membrane in order that a new lining 
membrane may form. With proper assist- 
ance, in toning the nerves and establishing 
good circulation, this lining membrane is 
discharged naturally at menstruation and 
a new and healthy one formed. 

The ligaments of the uterus, as well as 
the posterior walls of the bladder, and the 
anterior walls of the rectum, are stretched 
by this harsh usage and often subsequent 
skillful medical treatment and care will not 
enable them to regain their normal elas- 
ticity and strength. 

149 



There is no organ of the body so sensi- 
tive as the uterus, and it not only resents, 
but resists, such mechanical interference. 
Even with the most careful manipulation 
and dilation it can only be opened suffi- 
ciently to introduce the curette. No matter 
how skillfully it may be done, treatment 
that requires such harsh and forceful meas- 
ures bruises the tissues. An incompetent 
or careless operator may thrust the curette 
through the uterine walls, especially if 
these walls are soft, and dangerous hem- 
orrhages ensue. 

After such an operation the uterine ends 
of the Fallopian tubes are left raw and 
bleeding, and their small openings are 
sometimes entirely closed by the subse- 
quent inflammation, resulting in serious 
complications. The lining membrane, 
afterward formed, is not always a normal 
one, but is thick, scarred and hard and is 
more difficult to be cast off at menstrua- 
tion. Repeated curettements will convert 
the naturally thin and tissue-like lining 
membrane into a tough and thickened 
covering. 

150 



Such harsh and unnatural methods will 
not cure a disease of the uterus, but, on the 
contrary, implicate the ovaries and Fal- 
lopian tubes, and pave the way to men- 
strual complications. Such methods do not 
give the needed tone to the weakened 
nerves, but irritate and enfeeble them, 
neither do such harsh methods promote 
good circulation or nourish the blood. 

One of the most eminent surgeons of the 
United States says that curettement is only 
necessary, or beneficial, in cases of abor- 
tion, or where the afterbirth is retained; 
otherwise the operation is harmful. 
Strangely enough, physicians seldom allow 
this operation upon their own wives or 
daughters. The average physician advises 
this because medicine and every other 
means with which he is personally familiar 
has failed and the patient insists upon re- 
lief in some form. This relief comes best 
through natural means. 

Removal of the Ovaries.— No outrage up- 
on womankind so deserves the condemna- 
tion of every thinking man and woman 

151 



as the freedom with which physicians 
have removed the ovaries of women 
during the past few years. The fact that 
one physician cannot cure a diseased ovary 
does not preclude another's doing so, nor 
does it mean that such organ cannot be put 
in normal condition by exercise, rest, diet 
and breathing; neither does it invest such 
physician with the right to cut out an 
organ which he personally cannot cure and 
throw it away. Such an operation should 
be deferred until every known remedy has 
been exhausted, and only resorted to in an 
extremity, as a means of saving life or rea- 
son. Many times death would be prefera- 
ble to the mental anguish and nervous hor- 
ror which follow such an operation. It 
should be borne in mind, also, that sur- 
geons, even reputable ones, are entirely too 
ready to declare such an operation neces- 
sary. Many physicians have a very 
limited knowledge of cures outside of 
medicine or the knife. Their knowledge 
is broadening, however, from year to year. 
So great is the indignation that rankles 
in the hearts of men and women, who are 

152 



informed upon this subject,— as the full 
significance of the injustice done their suf- 
fering womankind is borne upon them,— 
that they would fain shout from the very 
housetops protests and warnings of the 
multiplicity of dangers and sorrows thus 
invited. The custom of mutilating the 
bodies of women is an increasing danger 
menacing the welfare of the race; the more 
insidious and deadly because of the fact 
that the growing skill in surgery has 
reached so high a point of excellence that 
danger of death from ovariotomy has been 
reduced to a minimum and the surgeon 
rarely follows up his case long enough to 
know the effect upon his patient's nerves. 

The inference is not to be drawn from 
this that all surgeons so recklessly use the 
knife. Yet such recklessness is altogether 
too prevalent for the safety and happiness 
of woman. 

The ovaries cannot be removed without 
seriously impairing and weakening the 
brain centers that control them. A woman 
deprived of these organs loses the vital 
force they represent, and often loses her 

153 



womanly ways, becoming coarse and man- 
nish. There is always hope of curing dis- 
ease, but none, whatever, of restoring or- 
gans once removed. Not only do the brain 
centers controlling these organs suffer by 
their disease or removal, but all the other 
brain centers suffer in sympathy. There- 
fore, such a severance of the intricate sys- 
tem of connecting nerves endangers both 
mind, body, and the spirit. 

No part of the generative tract can be 
cut without the severance of many nerves; 
a constant irritation of these severed nerve 
ends results, this nags the brain centers and 
depletes the vitality. 

The large supply of blood to these organs 
requires a large number of blood vessels. 
A severance of these also takes place in 
ovariotomy, the larger ones must be tied, 
the smaller ones are covered by the scar 
tissue that forms. 

Disintegration of the nerves may fol- 
low ovariotomy, for the reason that they 
are deprived of the work that nature in- 
tended them to do, so naturally they perish, 
—partly through inactivity, and partly 



154 



owing to the violence of cutting them,— 
gradually wasting away at the severed ends 
towards the spinal cord, and so on through 
the brain. This will explain why a woman 
thus deprived of normal physical and men- 
tal activity becomes morbid and loses in- 
terest in life; will explain, in a great meas- 
ure, the frightful nervous condition, the 
headaches at the base of the brain, follow- 
ing ovariotomy. 

The statistics of one of the largest hos- 
pitals in Paris— taken a few years ago— 
show that an overwhelming per cent, of 
young women, unsexed by the removal of 
the ovaries, were more or less maimed for 
life, either by increased nervousness, insom- 
nia, insane fits of temper, melancholia, 
headaches, stomach difficulties, or loss of 
feminine characteristics,— resulting in a 
coarsening of the whole nature. 

Swollen, sensitive and displaced ovaries 
can be relieved by safe and natural meth- 
ods, if the disease has not become malig- 
nant. 

There are numerous causes for ovaritis; 
a sudden suppression of the menses is a 

155 



very prolific one; inflammation of the sur- 
rounding parts will extend to them; dis- 
placements of the pelvic organs, barbarous 
local treatments, pessaries, excessive indul- 
gences, and anything that weakens or in- 
terferes with the circulation. 

Because of its position, the left ovary is 
more vulnerable than the right, and is 
oftener affected. The upper part of the 
rectum being on that side, the pressure 
caused by the passage of fecal matter, es- 
pecially if constipation exists, tends to irri- 
tate that ovary. There is a greater ten- 
dency to congestion and inflammation of 
the left ovary also for the reason that un- 
like the right ovary the valve that aids in 
controlling the circulation of the latter is 
lacking in it. 

Such a mutilation of a woman's body is a 
crime against womankind and against God, 
—a crime which it is impossible to atone, 
a breakage that no human skill can repair. 



156 



Contents 

Abortion or Miscarriage 114 

Amenorrhea 120 

Anteflexion • • 138 

Anteversion 138 

Care During Pregnancy 96 

Chlorosis 126 

Congestion and Inflammation 128 

Construction of Pelvis 48 

Curettment 149 

Displacement of Uterus 133 

Dismenorrhea 122 

Distaste for Motherhood 105 

Enlargement of Uterus 130 

Fallopian Tubes 56 

Fixation 148 

Generative Organs, Derangement of 117 

Husband's Responsibility 102 

Imitation 33 

Impregnation 79 

Inheritance and Environment 36 

Laceration 95 

Lactation Ill 

Leucorrhea 131 

Location of Organs 62 



Menstruation 68 

Nerves and Blood Vessels 60 

Normal Confinement 93 

Operations 140 

Organs of Generation 47 

Ovaries 56 

Ovaries, Removal of 151 

Ovulation 79 

Parenthood, Education for 28 

Parturition 91 

Pelvis, Construction of 48 

Pessaries 146 

Prolapsus 143 

Power in Repose 41 

Pregnancy 75 

Psychology of Motherhood 17 

Retroflexion 140 

Retroversion 141 

Selection and Education 28 

Shortening of Ligaments 146 

Spiritual Motherhood 25 

Sterility 108 

Uterus 53 

Displacements 133 

Vagina 52 

Vomiting 100 



Books by Susanna Cocroft 

GROWTH IN SILENCE 

"Enter into thine inner chamber and shut the door." 
''There is a divine sequence,* a golden thread running through 
the lives of all men and women of truly great and lasting 
power.** — R. W. Trine. 

A GOOD FIGURE— OBESITY, LEANNESS— 
(Illustrated) 

"Style is in the carriage, not in the gown." 

"No woman is to blame for not being beautiful at sixteen, but 

she has only herself to blame if she in not beautiful at 

forty." — Fra Lippo. 

"Few women know how to stand, to sit or to walk without undue 

expenditure of nerve force." 

IDEALS AND PRIVILEGES OF WOMAN 

"The normal woman is happy if well." 

"Her first duty is to herself. To be a good mother she must 

first be a perfect woman." 

"She has not only her rights as a true woman, but the devoted 

homage and service of man." 

THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM— Heart, Lungs, Arteries, 
Veins, Lymphatics and Blood 

Miss Cocroft has spent years in the practical study of anatomy 
and physiology. This lecture follows the blood from the heart 
on its complete circuit of the body back to the heart — showing 
the dangers and results of sluggish and of impure blood flow, 
with resultant physical ailments and their relief. No student 
of physiology should be without it. 

BODY MANIKIN AND POSITION OF VITAL 
ORGANS 

The body manikin with but few additions is sold to physicians 
for $5.00. This manikin is printed in seven colors and in- 
cludes fourteen different plates, showing the muscles, blood 
vessels, nervous system, the organs of respiration, digestion 
and all other vital organs, each in its exact relation to the 
other. It enables a woman to look within her physical self 
and to understand the many facts about herself which Miss 
Cocroft explains in her lessons — facts which every woman, wife 
and mother should know — facts which it is a sin for her not 
to know. 

CHARACTER— As Expressed in the Body— (Illustrated) 

"How can I hear what you say when what you are is forever 

thundering in my ears." — Emerson. 

True grace is visible expression of graciousness. 

Grace, womanly dignity, self control, ease of manner, laziness, 

indifference, lack of energy and ambition, moral weakness, or 

moral courage, each has its expression. Not only how to thus 

read character, but how women can best express it in herself 

is the theme of this address. 

"The secret of the highest power is in uniting the outer agencies 

of expression with the power that works from within." 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM— Effect of Habit upon Life 

This lecture includes a clear description of the nervous system, 
its functions and its influence upon various parts of the body. 
Many of woman's physical ills are traceable to shattered nerves, 
and many such ills yield with astonishing readiness to the in- 
fluence of a rightly directed mind. Habit is a marvelous gift 
of nature. Rightly used, it lengthens life and is a great con- 
server of energy. Wrongly developed habit is a check to growth. 

SELF-SUFFICIENCY— Mental Poise 

"The great man is he who, in the midst of a crowd, can keep 
with perfect sweetness the serenity of solitude." — Emerson. 
"Man has two creators: The Infinite, who created the atoms 
and the laws by which the atoms take form; and himself, the 
moulder of the form, and the moulder of thought and character." 
"It is not a soul, it is not a body we are developing, but an 
individual." — Montague. 
Belief in self is the first element in success. 

FOODS — Nutritive Value and Digestibility 

The problem of proper nutrition for the body is as vital as any 
study effecting the morals, health and the consequent power of 
a nation, since upon the kind, quality and quantity of food 
depend the sustenance, health and strength of its citizens. 

MOTHERHOOD 

The life, the vitality, the mental capacity, the moral character 
of the child depend directly upon the strength, the character, 
the mental attitude of the mother. Motherhood is woman's most 
sacred privilege and the true mother finds greatest joy in fitting 
herself to fulfill that privilege in the most beautiful way. How 
woman may best equip herself for motherhood and how the 
mother may preserve herself and prolong her usefulness to her 
children, is clearly set forth in this lecture. 

THE VITAL ORGANS— Liver, Stomach, Intestines, 
Kidneys — their Use and Abuse 

The whole treatise is so lucid and so simply told that all can 
perfectly understand it, and the body manikin shows the organs 
referred to and renders the explanations absolutely clear. This 
lecture is full of practical, everyday health hints. 

AIDS TO BEAUTY— Skin, Hair, Eyes, Teeth, Hands, 
Feet and Ears 

Life is made up of little things — and so is beauty. No woman 
can be truly beautiful or wholesome who neglects the details 
of her toilet. Indeed, these little things are a constant index 
of character. This lecture gives many health and beauty hints 
which some women have paid hundreds of dollars to learn. 



PUBLISHED BY THE 

PHYSICAL CULTURE EXTENSION SOCIETY 

624 Michigan Bvd., Chicago 



MAR S3 1912 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



022 216 022 4 



